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 gives you low cost and low debt, but the payoff depends almost entirely on what you study. At $6,544 a year with a median debt around $10,000, you leave with less to repay than most borrowers face, and the sticker price stays manageable even before aid. The problem is the median earnings ten years out, which sit close to $37,000 and barely clear what many high school graduates make.
The trades are where the money is. If you finish the plumbing or electrical associate programs, you land in the $80,000 range, and the electrical path carries just $5,500 in typical debt. Carpentry, construction management, and precision metalworking all clear $54,000. These are the programs that turn a cheap two-year credential into a strong return, and they explain why Indianapolis employers keep hiring from this pipeline.
Outside the trades, the picture weakens. The school-wide earnings figure tells you that plenty of programs land students far below the skilled-trade numbers, dragging the median down. The bigger financial risk here is the 36.6% graduation rate. If you enroll and don't finish, you still owe for the credits you took while missing the credential that makes the trades pay.
Family income shapes your cost sharply. Under $30,000, you pay about $4,641. above $110,000, you pay roughly $13,005, nearly triple. Lower-income families get the best deal, and the low absolute cost keeps the downside small even if a program doesn't pan out.
This school fits you if you commit to a skilled trade and plan to finish. If you want a general associate degree with no clear vocational target, the earnings data says look harder at whether the credential moves your income at all.
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.