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Best Value Industrial Engineering Colleges in Texas

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville delivers the state's most affordable Industrial Engineering education at just $10,204 net cost, while University of Houston graduates command the highest starting salaries at $73,530. This $25,000 earnings gap between programs reflects the varied industrial landscapes across Texas, from Houston's petrochemical corridor to the Rio Grande Valley's manufacturing sector. Texas leads the nation in manufacturing jobs, with over 850,000 workers supporting aerospace, energy, and automotive industries that actively recruit industrial engineers. Public programs dominate the value equation, with 9 of 11 schools offering in-state tuition under $12,000 while preparing graduates for roles at major employers like ExxonMobil, Texas Instruments, and Boeing's growing Texas operations.
11
Programs
$10,204 – $21,352
Net Price Range
$64,917
Avg. Program Earnings
54.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Industrial Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,853 $73,530 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
2 $10,726 $48,823 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
3 $15,235 $67,202 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
4 $16,438 $65,557 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
5 $20,071 $66,821 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
6 $20,924 $67,571 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
7 $15,137 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
8 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
9 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
10 $21,352 $36,242 58.8% 86.2%
11 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $24,707 salary difference between the highest and lowest earning programs?

University of Houston graduates earn $73,530 compared to $48,823 at UT El Paso, reflecting Houston's concentration of high-paying petrochemical and aerospace employers. Houston's Texas Medical Center and energy sector create demand for industrial engineers in specialized roles. Geographic location significantly impacts starting salaries in Texas industrial engineering careers.

How do graduation rates vary among Texas industrial engineering programs?

Texas A&M College Station leads with an 83.8% graduation rate, while several programs fall below 46%. The gap often correlates with admission selectivity, as A&M accepts 62.65% of applicants versus UT El Paso's 99.92% acceptance rate. Higher graduation rates typically indicate stronger student support systems and academic preparation.

Is private education worth the premium for industrial engineering in Texas?

St. Mary's University charges $21,352 net cost as the only private option, compared to public programs ranging from $10,204 to $20,924. With a 58.8% graduation rate, St. Mary's falls between public program outcomes. The data suggests public universities provide better value for industrial engineering education in Texas.

Where can students find the best debt-to-earnings ratio in Texas industrial engineering?

University of Houston offers the strongest return with $73,530 earnings against $20,500 debt, creating a 3.6:1 ratio. UT Arlington provides solid value at $67,202 earnings with $18,359 debt. Students should avoid programs where debt exceeds 40% of expected first-year earnings for financial stability.

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