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Industrial Engineering at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $86,476/yr (17% vs median)

AI Risk High (43% exposed)

Job Market Large (60,900 openings/yr)

ROI 13.1x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #18 of 93 Industrial Engineering programs Top 25%

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	$933K	$905K	$777K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.5x	13.1x	11.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.0x	3.9x	3.3x
Probability of Field Employment	68%	64%	48%
DegreeOutlook Score	74	73	70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$68,912

Out-of-state: $232,288 (3.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,328

14% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,750

2.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$109,239

26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $86,476 at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor come in 17% above the national median of $73,874 for Industrial Engineering programs.

With a 13.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Industrial Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $86,476 far exceeding the $19,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ranks #18 among 93 Industrial Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 26% earnings increase from $86,476 to $109,239 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor accepts 18% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving a student body of 33,488 in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 73/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Industrial Engineering at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?

At 73/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Industrial Engineering at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?

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.

Is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor one of the best schools for Industrial Engineering?

Among 93 Industrial Engineering programs, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's #18 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →