Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $78,501 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick come in 6% above the national median of $73,874 for Industrial Engineering programs.
The 11.4x 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 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
With first-year pay of $78,501 far exceeding the $26,855 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #45 out of 93 programs, Rutgers University-New Brunswick's Industrial Engineering offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $78,501 to $93,012 over five years (18% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.