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Cheapest Industrial Engineering Colleges in California

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduates earn $73,562 annually with an 85.20% graduation rate, making it the strongest performer among California's affordable Industrial Engineering programs. California State University-Northridge offers the lowest net cost at just $7,599, while private options like USC reach $31,927. The state's aerospace industry, including SpaceX and Northrop Grumman, creates strong demand for industrial engineers who optimize manufacturing and supply chain operations across California's $3.6 trillion economy.
8
Programs
$7,599 – $31,927
Net Price Range
$69,975
Avg. Program Earnings
68.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Industrial Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
2 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
3 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
4 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
5 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
6 $27,384 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
7 $31,265 $56,444 81.6% 52.6%
8 $31,927 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $24,328 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Cal State Northridge costs $7,599 annually while USC reaches $31,927, reflecting the public versus private divide. However, USC graduates earn $78,029 compared to the $61,020-$73,562 range at public schools. Private schools also offer smaller class sizes and stronger alumni networks in California's tech sector.

How competitive are admissions for the top-performing programs?

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo accepts just 30.43% of applicants despite having the highest graduation rate at 85.20%. USC admits only 12.02% but achieves a 92% graduation rate. In contrast, Cal State East Bay accepts 96.20% of applicants, making it highly accessible for students seeking affordable Industrial Engineering education.

Does location within California affect job prospects for Industrial Engineering graduates?

San Jose State graduates earn $61,020 annually despite being in Silicon Valley, while Cal Poly Pomona graduates earn $67,287 in the Inland Empire. Location matters less than program strength, as California's aerospace, tech, and manufacturing industries span from San Diego to the Bay Area.

More Industrial Engineering Rankings

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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.