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Industrial engineering programs span a remarkable cost spectrum, from Navajo Technical University's $3,307 net price to University of Connecticut-Waterbury's $8,896 annual cost. The earnings gap proves equally striking, with graduates earning between $38,829 and $82,440 depending on their chosen institution. Ohio dominates the affordable market with six regional campuses offering identical $6,178 in-state tuition but wildly different graduation rates ranging from 12.1% to 20%. Puerto Rico emerges as an unexpected player in affordable industrial engineering education, with multiple Inter American University campuses providing quality programs under $9,000. The Southwest and manufacturing belt regions drive much of the demand for industrial engineers, with companies like Boeing, General Motors, and Amazon actively recruiting graduates to optimize production systems and supply chains. California State University-Northridge stands out with its 91% acceptance rate and $7,599 cost, making quality education accessible to nearly all applicants. These programs prepare students for careers in manufacturing optimization, quality control, and operations research across industries from aerospace to healthcare logistics.
50
Programs
$3,307 – $14,754
Net Price Range
$66,056
Avg. Program Earnings
50.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Industrial Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,307 $4,250 19.7%
2 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
3 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
4 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
5 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
6 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
7 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
8 $6,680 $5,966 41.7%
9 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
10 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
11 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
12 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
13 $8,036 $5,580 35.4% 33.3%
14 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
15 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
16 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
17 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
18 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
19 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
20 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
21 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
22 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
23 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
24 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
25 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
26 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
27 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
28 $11,611 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
29 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
30 $12,209 $10,125 57.6% 62.4%
31 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
32 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
33 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
34 $12,948 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
35 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
36 $13,289 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
37 $13,339 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
38 $13,451 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
39 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
40 $13,487 $5,364 52.9% 52.1%
41 $13,493 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
42 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
43 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
44 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
45 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
46 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
47 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
48 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
49 $14,059 $17,472 56.9% 92.2%
50 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Navajo Technical University's industrial engineering program so affordable?

Navajo Technical University offers the nation's lowest net price for industrial engineering at just $3,307 annually. As a tribal college serving Native American communities, it receives federal funding that significantly reduces student costs. The program maintains a 19.7% graduation rate while providing culturally relevant education. Students benefit from small class sizes and individualized attention in engineering fundamentals.

How do Ohio University's regional campuses compare for industrial engineering students?

Ohio University operates six regional campuses with identical $6,178 in-state tuition but dramatically different outcomes. The Eastern Campus leads with a 20% graduation rate, while Chillicothe struggles at 12.1%. All campuses report $27,000 in average student debt. Students can complete foundational courses at regional locations before transferring to the main Athens campus for specialized industrial engineering coursework.

Is University of Connecticut-Waterbury worth the higher cost for industrial engineering?

UConn-Waterbury commands $8,896 in net costs but delivers strong value with graduates earning $82,440 annually. The campus maintains a 59.5% graduation rate with relatively low $24,889 debt levels. Its 97.9% acceptance rate makes admission nearly guaranteed. The program benefits from Connecticut's strong manufacturing and defense contractor presence, including Pratt & Whitney and General Dynamics.

Does California State University-Northridge provide quality industrial engineering education at this price point?

Cal State Northridge offers solid industrial engineering preparation for $7,599 annually with an impressive 56.2% graduation rate. The university accepts 91% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. Its location in the Los Angeles metro area provides internship opportunities with aerospace companies and logistics firms. The program emphasizes practical applications in manufacturing and service industries throughout Southern California.

Where do Puerto Rico's industrial engineering programs fit in the national market?

Puerto Rico hosts multiple affordable industrial engineering options through the Inter American University system, with costs ranging from $7,382 to $8,783. These programs achieve graduation rates between 33% and 41.7%, comparable to mainland institutions. Students benefit from bilingual education and connections to pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing on the island. The programs prepare graduates for careers in both local industries and mainland opportunities.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.