Industrial Engineering at Kettering University

Flint, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $85,105/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,900 openings/yr)
ROI 4.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #63 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 $807K $787K $689K
Earnings Multiple 4.3x 4.2x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 64% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$185,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$132,368
29% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$94,052
11% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $85,105 per year, Industrial Engineering graduates from Kettering University earn slightly above the $73,874 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 4.2x 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 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #63 out of 93 programs, Kettering University's financial outcomes for Industrial Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $85,105 to $94,052 over five years (11% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Kettering University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Kettering University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,279 students in Flint, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Kettering 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 Kettering University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Kettering University's Industrial Engineering program score?
A score of 62/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Kettering 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 →