Industrial Engineeringat Kettering University
Graduates earn $85,105/yr in their first year — about 15.0% above the national Industrial Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $787K; scenarios range from $689K to $807K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Kettering University
Kettering's Industrial Engineering program, situated in Flint, benefits from deep ties to Michigan's manufacturing and automotive sectors. Your co-op experience here is a significant advantage, providing invaluable hands-on experience and direct pathways into roles focused on process optimization and supply chain management at companies across the region. However, consider the broader context: while you'll gain practical skills, the field's high susceptibility to AI means futureproofing your career is crucial. Roles in industrial engineering, particularly those focused on repeatable tasks, are increasingly being augmented or replaced. Leverage your co-op to build a diverse skillset in data analytics, automation integration, or strategic operations, rather than just routine optimization. Focus on developing unique problem-solving abilities that transcend current technological capabilities.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Kettering University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Industrial Engineering
How Kettering University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Kettering University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Kettering University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Industrial Engineering offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Industrial Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Industrial Engineering at Kettering University
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.