Industrial Engineering.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Industrial Engineering. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 35.4%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Industrial Engineering. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $68958 and average student debt of $24431, the financial outlook for Industrial Engineering. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Industrial Engineering. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $68958, and with an average debt of $24431, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.35—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 8722 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. A common next step is a career as a Industrial Engineers, which is expected to see 11.0% growth. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Industrial Engineering. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Industrial Engineering (CIP 14.3501) is the engineering of efficiency, optimization, and systems. While other engineers focus on designing a single product or machine, industrial engineers (IEs) design the entire process by which that product is made and delivered. They are the "productivity experts" who eliminate waste of time, money, materials, and energy. It is a path for "process architects" who want to improve everything from hospital workflows to global shipping networks.
This field is ideal for "logical optimizers"—individuals who enjoy using math and data to make systems run faster, safer, and more profitably.
What Is an Industrial Engineering Degree?
A degree in Industrial Engineering is a unique blend of mathematical modeling, computer science, and business management. You will study how to integrate people, machines, and information into a single, high-performing system. It is a versatile STEM major that is often described as "the engineering of everything" because its principles apply to manufacturing, finance, entertainment, and healthcare. It focuses on the human element more than any other engineering field, ensuring that technology is designed to work with—and for—people.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Supply Chain Architects" who manage the global flow of goods
- Develop experts in Lean Manufacturing—systems designed to create value with zero waste
- Prepare professionals for Operations Research, using advanced math to solve complex logistics puzzles
- Study Human Factors and Ergonomics to design safer and more comfortable tools and workspaces
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that any process, no matter how complex, can be analyzed, measured, and improved through the application of statistics and engineering logic.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Statistical Analysis to identify patterns in data and predict system failures
- Use "Discrete Event Simulation" to build virtual models of factories or airports to test improvements
- Design Workstation Layouts that maximize speed and minimize worker fatigue
- Perform Operations Research—using algorithms to find the shortest delivery routes or the best inventory levels
- Utilize Quality Engineering (Six Sigma) to reduce errors in mass production
- Understand Economic Analysis—calculating the "Return on Investment" (ROI) for new technologies
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a mix of high-level math, computer programming, and organizational psychology:
- Probability and Statistics: The foundation for making data-driven decisions under uncertainty.
- Supply Chain Management: The logistics of moving raw materials to factories and products to customers.
- Facilities Planning: Designing the physical floor plan of a factory or warehouse for optimal flow.
- Work Design and Measurement: Studying how long tasks take and how to make them easier for humans.
- Production Control: Managing inventory levels and scheduling work shifts.
- Systems Simulation: Using software (like Arena or Simio) to model complex real-world operations.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles as high-level analysts, managers, and consultants across virtually every sector of the economy.
Common job roles include:
- Industrial Engineer: Finding ways to reduce costs and increase productivity in a factory or office.
- Supply Chain Analyst: Managing the complex web of global suppliers and shipping partners.
- Operations Manager: Leading the daily production or service delivery of a major company.
- Quality Engineer: Ensuring that products meet exact standards through statistical monitoring.
- Management Consultant: Advising companies on how to restructure for better efficiency.
- Ergonomist: Designing products and workplaces to prevent injury and improve human performance.
Where Can You Work?
Industrial engineers are the "secret sauce" in every high-performing organization:
- Manufacturing and Tech: Optimizing the assembly lines for Tesla, Intel, or Apple.
- Logistics Giants: Managing the massive distribution networks of Amazon, UPS, or FedEx.
- Healthcare Systems: Reducing wait times and improving patient flow in major hospitals.
- Entertainment and Travel: Designing the line-management systems for Disney theme parks or airlines.
- Finance and Consulting: Using data to optimize the performance of banks and investment firms.
How Much Can You Earn?
Because industrial engineers directly save companies money, they are highly valued and often move into executive leadership roles.
- Industrial Engineers: Median annual salary of approximately $95,000–$120,000.
- Operations Research Analysts: Salaries typically range from $90,000 to $135,000.
- Supply Chain Managers: Median annual salary of around $110,000–$160,000.
- Entry-Level Junior Engineers: Often start between $75,000 and $90,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the mathematical and analytical depth. You must be a master of Statistics and Calculus. While it is often viewed as less "physically" demanding than mechanical or civil engineering (fewer machines or bridges), it is more "logically" demanding. You must be able to look at a chaotic system and organize it using math. It also requires excellent communication skills, as you will often have to convince people to change the way they do their jobs to make the system better.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love solving puzzles and finding "hacks" to make things faster or easier
- Are a "people person" who also loves data and math
- Enjoy seeing the "Big Picture" and how different parts of a business fit together
- Want a career that is flexible and allows you to work in any industry
- Are fascinated by how massive companies like Amazon or Disney run so smoothly
How to Prepare in High School
- Take the highest levels of Math (Statistics and Calculus) available
- Learn Excel and basic coding (Python or R); data analysis is your primary tool
- Join a robotics or debate team to practice logic and teamwork
- Practice "Process Analysis"—next time you are in a long line, think about how you would fix it
- Read about Lean and Six Sigma to understand the core philosophies of the field
The ability to apply mathematical rigor and human-centered design to optimize the world's most complex systems is the hallmark of a successful industrial engineering professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor