Industrial Engineeringat University of Iowa
Graduates earn $75,699/yr in their first year — about 2.0% above the national Industrial Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $802K; scenarios range from $701K to $824K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Iowa
University of Iowa's Industrial Engineering program produces graduates earning $75,699/yr — within striking distance of the $73,874 national average for this field.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Industrial Engineering programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Industrial Engineering's typical career paths, with 43% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 15% gap from the optimistic case.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $21,375 in median debt clears quickly against $75,699 in annual earnings.
At #17 of 93 nationally, this is a top-5% Industrial Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $75,699 to $94,141 over five years — a 24% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.
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 University of Iowa'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 University of Iowa stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Iowa
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Iowa, 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 University of Iowa
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Industrial Engineering at University of Iowa?
This program scores 73/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Industrial Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Industrial Engineering careers?
With 43% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $700,548 in decade earnings vs $823,631 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Iowa's Industrial Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #17 of 93 programs nationally, University of Iowa lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.