Drafting & Design Technology at Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,798/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 9 Design Engineering Technologies programs

Program Analysis

This program at IU-Indianapolis positions you to contribute directly to design and manufacturing processes, supporting the region's strong industrial base, from automotive and aerospace components to construction projects across the metro area. You'll develop critical technical skills to translate engineering and architectural concepts into detailed plans. The local labor market, while stable for these roles, tends to offer compensation influenced by the cost of living and specific industry demand in Indianapolis, which can differ from national averages in this niche field. However, a key consideration for your career path is the significant impact of automation and AI. Many traditional drafting tasks are becoming increasingly integrated into design software, requiring fewer manual inputs. To thrive, you'll need to continuously adapt, focusing on advanced modeling, design optimization, and developing strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with engineers and architects. Consider complementing your drafting skills with expertise in emerging technologies or project management to enhance your long-term career resilience.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Drafting & Design Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $531K $528K $492K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.7x 12.6x 11.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,796
Out-of-state: $134,868 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,632
-9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,824
44% growth from Year 1

About Indiana University-Indianapolis

A 81% acceptance rate means Indiana University-Indianapolis is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 16,582 in Indianapolis, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University-Indianapolis →

Top Career Paths

Electrical and electronics drafters $73,720/yr
Mechanical drafters $68,510/yr
Architectural and civil drafters $64,280/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Drafting & Design Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Indiana University-Indianapolis

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 University-Indianapolis's Drafting & Design Technology program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Drafting & Design Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Drafting & Design Technology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Drafting & Design Technology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Drafting & Design Technology earnings lower at Indiana University-Indianapolis?
Lower starting pay at Indiana University-Indianapolis may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →