Mechanical Engineering Technology at Indiana State University

Terre Haute, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,479/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Large (87,000 openings/yr)
ROI 16.7x earnings multiple (7.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #12 of 59 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $679K $668K $618K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.0x 16.7x 15.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.8x 7.7x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 69

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,968
Out-of-state: $86,936 (7.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,752
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,378
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$80,156
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $66,479 at Indiana State University come in 7% above the national median of $62,227 for Mechanical Engineering Technology programs.

The 16.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 28% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $66,479 far exceeding the $23,378 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #12 out of 59 programs, Indiana State University's Mechanical Engineering Technology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $66,479 to $80,156 shows 21% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Indiana State University

Indiana State University accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 6,620 students in Terre Haute, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana State University →

Top Career Paths

Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians $79,830/yr
Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390/yr
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians $70,760/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mechanical Engineering Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Indiana State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Indiana State University's Mechanical Engineering Technology program score?
This program scores 69/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates.
Why does Indiana State University rank so high for Mechanical Engineering Technology?
The #12 ranking out of 59 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →