At $6,544/yr net price, Ivy Tech Community College graduates earn $37,186/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,186/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,544 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,176 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,186/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,186/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,727 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,641/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,631/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,422/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,423/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,005/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services. | Associate | $85,918 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $79,541 | $5,500 |
| Carpenters. | Associate | $67,660 | |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Associate | $62,579 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $54,522 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,715 | $12,000 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $46,984 | $10,075 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $46,087 | $11,590 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $45,500 | $10,928 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,135 | $11,051 |
The Risk Factor
36.6% of students at Ivy Tech Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Ivy Tech Community College delivers strong returns if you pick the right program, but your major choice makes or breaks the financial outcome. The school's trade programs generate impressive earnings that dwarf the modest debt load, while many other programs leave graduates earning barely above minimum wage.
Plumbing graduates earn $85,918 annually, making the $10,727 median debt trivial by comparison. Electrical and power transmission programs produce similar results at $79,541 with even lower debt at $5,500. These skilled trades capitalize on Indiana's manufacturing economy and infrastructure needs, creating genuine career pathways that justify the investment.
The risk lies in Ivy Tech's broader academic offerings. With overall median earnings of just $37,186, many programs fail to generate returns that meaningfully exceed what you could earn with a high school diploma. The 36% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could leave you with debt but no credential.
You should consider Ivy Tech if you want specific technical training in high-demand fields like plumbing, electrical work, or precision manufacturing. The low net price of $6,544 makes experimentation affordable, and only 23% of students need financial aid, suggesting manageable costs for most families.
Avoid Ivy Tech if you need a stepping stone to a four-year degree or want liberal arts preparation. The school works best for career-focused students who know exactly what trade they want to learn and can commit to completing their program. Indianapolis location provides access to construction and manufacturing jobs that directly hire from these programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ivy Tech Community College worth the money?
At $6,544 per year, Ivy Tech offers solid value for specific trades programs like plumbing ($85,918 median earnings) and electrical work ($79,541). However, the 36.6% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Ivy Tech Community College?
Plumbing and electrical programs at Ivy Tech lead earnings at $85,918 and $79,541 respectively. These skilled trades offer strong ROI compared to the school's overall median earnings of $37,186.
How much debt do Ivy Tech Community College graduates have?
Ivy Tech graduates carry a median debt of $10,727, which is manageable for skilled trades programs. Students in high-paying fields like plumbing or electrical can reasonably pay this off within a few years.
What is the graduation rate at Ivy Tech Community College?
Only 36.6% of students graduate from Ivy Tech, meaning nearly two-thirds don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the school's value.