Industrial Engineering at Auburn University

Auburn, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
72
Optimistic
72
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,063/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,900 openings/yr)
ROI 16.6x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #30 of 93 Industrial Engineering programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Industrial Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $855K $832K $722K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.1x 16.6x 14.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.3x 6.1x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 64% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 72 72 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,144
Out-of-state: $135,776 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,588
-91% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$96,383
36% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $71,063 track close to the $73,874 national median for Industrial Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Industrial Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Industrial Engineering's typical career paths, with 43% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 15% gap from the optimistic case.

At $23,250 in median debt against $71,063 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #30 of 93 Industrial Engineering programs, Auburn University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $71,063 to $96,383 over five years — a 36% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Auburn University

With a 50% acceptance rate, Auburn University is moderately selective, serving a student body of 25,732 in Auburn, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at Auburn University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Industrial production managers $121,440/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Industrial Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Auburn University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Industrial Engineering at Auburn University?
This program scores 72/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Industrial Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Industrial Engineering careers?
With 43% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $722,463 in decade earnings vs $854,970 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →