At $11,513/yr net price, Purdue University Fort Wayne graduates earn $45,872/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,872/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,513 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,052 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,872/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,872/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,813/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,481/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,933/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,700/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,670/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $109,095 | $50,646 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $81,333 | $19,974 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $63,749 | $25,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $62,508 | $27,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $60,771 | |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $54,254 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $51,813 | $24,772 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $51,106 | $21,784 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $50,856 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $46,087 |
The Risk Factor
32.5% of students at Purdue University Fort Wayne 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
Purdue University Fort Wayne offers solid financial value with a low net price of $11,513 annually, but your success depends heavily on choosing the right major and actually graduating.
The nursing program delivers strong returns with graduates earning $109,095 annually, making it one of the strongest healthcare programs in Indiana. Business majors also perform well at $81,333 with manageable debt loads. Computer science and engineering technology programs provide decent middle-class earnings in the $60,000-65,000 range, aligning well with Fort Wayne's manufacturing and tech sectors.
The major red flag is the 32.5% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree needed for higher-paying positions. The 64% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic transition or find better fits elsewhere.
This school works best for local students who can live at home and reduce costs further, particularly those targeting nursing or business careers. The low percentage receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance, but the affordable sticker price partially compensates.
Avoid Purdue Fort Wayne if you need extensive academic support, want a traditional college experience, or plan to study liberal arts fields where career outcomes appear weaker. The school's strengths lie in practical, career-focused programs that connect directly to regional employment opportunities.
Your financial risk centers on completion. If you have strong study habits and clear career goals in nursing, business, or technical fields, the combination of low costs and decent earnings creates positive returns. If you're academically uncertain or seeking exploration time, look for schools with better retention and graduation support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Purdue University Fort Wayne worth the cost?
Purdue University Fort Wayne offers decent value with a net price of $11,513 and 10-year earnings of $45,872, but the 32.5% graduation rate is concerning. Students who complete nursing or business programs see strong returns, while other majors may struggle to justify costs.
What are the best paying majors at Purdue University Fort Wayne?
Nursing programs at Purdue University Fort Wayne lead earnings at $109,095, followed by business at $81,333. Engineering and computer science graduates earn in the $60,000-63,000 range, making these programs the strongest financial bets.
How much debt do Purdue University Fort Wayne graduates have?
Purdue University Fort Wayne graduates carry a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable for nursing and business majors but could be problematic for lower-earning fields. With only one-third of students graduating, many leave with debt but no degree.
Does Purdue University Fort Wayne have good job placement?
Purdue University Fort Wayne's job outcomes vary dramatically by program, with nursing graduates earning strong salaries but the overall low graduation rate suggesting many students don't reach career goals. The school works better for students in high-demand healthcare and business fields.