Industrial Engineering at Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
73 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
74
Optimistic
73
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,545/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,900 openings/yr)
ROI 19.0x earnings multiple (9.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #26 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 $927K $899K $773K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.5x 19.0x 16.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.5x 9.2x 7.9x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 64% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 73 71

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,408
Out-of-state: $97,804 (9.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$80,284
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,500
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$104,083
45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Texas Tech University's Industrial Engineering program produces graduates earning $71,545/yr — within striking distance of the $73,874 national average for this field.

With a 19.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Industrial Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $28,500 in median debt clears quickly against $71,545 in annual earnings.

A #26 ranking among 93 Industrial Engineering programs places Texas Tech University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 45% earnings increase from $71,545 to $104,083 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Texas Tech University

A 71% acceptance rate means Texas Tech University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 32,446 students in Lubbock, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas Tech 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 Texas Tech 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 does a 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Industrial Engineering at Texas Tech University?
At 73/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Industrial Engineering at Texas Tech University?
The 43% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →