Program Analysis
Graduates earn $74,310/yr, roughly in line with the $73,874 national median for Industrial Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 18.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 43% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $74,310 far exceeding the $23,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #32 out of 93 programs, Iowa State University's Industrial Engineering offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $74,310 to $88,344 over five years (19% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.