Analysis
Auburn's Industrial Engineering program produces graduates who earn less than the national median for the field, landing in just the 30th percentile nationally. First-year earnings of $71,063 trail the $74,709 national benchmark by about $3,600 annually. Within Alabama, where only two schools offer this program, Auburn ranks second with starting earnings roughly $5,600 below the University of Alabama in Huntsville. That gap matters in a field where higher-performing programs typically start graduates above $77,000.
The debt picture provides modest relief: at $23,250, it's lower than both the national median ($24,889) and especially the Alabama median ($27,125). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means graduates face manageable monthly payments. Still, the 14% earnings growth over four years—reaching $80,782—is solid but doesn't close the competitive gap with peers from higher-ranked programs.
For families choosing between Alabama's two industrial engineering options, Auburn's lower tuition won't fully offset the earnings disadvantage over a career. Unless there are compelling non-financial reasons to choose Auburn (location, campus culture, merit aid), the data suggests UAH delivers better economic outcomes in this specific field.
Where Auburn University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all industrial engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Auburn University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | $71,063 | $80,782 | +14% |
| University of Southern California | $87,807 | $114,688 | +31% |
| SUNY Maritime College | $91,470 | $110,403 | +21% |
| Northwestern University | $89,811 | $107,105 | +19% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $87,226 | $103,886 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Industrial Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (2 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Auburn UniversityAuburn | $12,536 | $71,063 | $80,782 | $23,250 | 0.33 |
 University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsville | $11,770 | $76,690 | — | $31,000 | 0.40 |
| National Median | — | $74,709 | — | $24,889 | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with industrial engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Industrial Engineers
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Validation Engineers
Manufacturing Engineers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Auburn University, approximately 12% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 72 graduates with reported earnings and 76 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.