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Industrial Engineering at Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
67 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
68
Optimistic
67
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,670/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,900 openings/yr)
ROI 11.6x earnings multiple (9.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #51 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 $724K $709K $631K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.8x 11.6x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.5x 9.3x 8.3x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 64% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 68 67 65

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,192
Out-of-state: $76,392 (9.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,804
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$82,100
10% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Western Michigan University's Industrial Engineering program produces graduates earning $74,670/yr — within striking distance of the $73,874 national average for this field.

With a 11.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Industrial Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #51 ranking among 93 Industrial Engineering programs places Western Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $74,670 to $82,100 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Western Michigan University

A 85% acceptance rate means Western Michigan University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 12,704 in Kalamazoo, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan 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

Compare this program → View all 93 schools offering Industrial Engineering →

Industrial Engineering at Other Schools

SUNY Maritime College ($91,470) Northwestern University ($89,811) Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($87,826) University of Southern California ($87,807) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($87,226) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($86,476) Kettering University ($85,105) North Carolina A & T State University ($83,427)

Other Majors at Western Michigan University

Paper Science and Engineering ($86,401) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($76,145) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,149) Civil Engineering ($69,706) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($69,514) Chemical Engineering ($68,632) Mechanical Engineering ($68,260) Engineering-Related Fields ($67,992)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Industrial Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Industrial Engineering at Western Michigan University?
At 67/100, the score looks reasonable — but Industrial Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Industrial Engineering at Western Michigan 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 →