Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,066/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #66 of 93 Industrial Engineering programs

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 $969K $939K $803K
Earnings Multiple 3.8x 3.7x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 64% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,564
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,464
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$110,414
43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $77,066/yr, Industrial Engineering graduates from Northeastern University land near the $73,874 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 3.7x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 43% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $25,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #66 out of 93 programs, Northeastern University's financial outcomes for Industrial Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $77,066 to $110,414 shows 43% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Northeastern University

With just 6% of applicants admitted, Northeastern University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a mid-sized student body of 15,719 in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $128,464 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern 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 Northeastern 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

How does Northeastern University's Industrial Engineering program score?
A score of 61/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Northeastern University trails the majority of Industrial Engineering programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Industrial Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Industrial Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 43% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →