Home › Worcester Polytechnic Institute › Industrial Engineering

Industrial Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,994/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #93 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 $766K $748K $660K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.2x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 64% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$236,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$173,092
27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,254
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$92,896
19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $77,994 per year, Industrial Engineering graduates from Worcester Polytechnic Institute earn slightly above the $73,874 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 3.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Industrial Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $26,254 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #93 ranking among 93 Industrial Engineering programs places Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester Polytechnic Institute accepts 58% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 5,344 students in Worcester, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Worcester Polytechnic Institute →

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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Computer Science ($93,888) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($89,897) Computer Software and Media Applications ($86,193) Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering ($85,340) Chemical Engineering ($78,767) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($78,283) Mechanical Engineering ($78,182) Civil Engineering ($76,419)

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 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Industrial Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Industrial Engineering programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Industrial Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute?
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 →