Analysis
Lawrence Tech's industrial engineering graduates appear positioned for strong financial outcomes based on similar Michigan programs. With estimated first-year earnings around $77,800—matching the state median and sitting near the national 75th percentile—this program suggests solid earning potential. The estimated $24,400 in debt produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, meaning graduates would need roughly four months of gross income to cover their borrowing, a manageable threshold for engineering careers.
However, it's worth noting these figures come from peer institutions rather than Lawrence Tech's own graduates, which the DOE hasn't published due to small sample sizes. The school sits in competitive territory: Michigan's industrial engineering programs cluster tightly between Wayne State and Western Michigan ($75K-$78K), while regional powerhouses like Michigan-Ann Arbor and Kettering push closer to $86K. Whether Lawrence Tech lands at the estimated median or toward either end of that range remains unclear without actual outcome data.
The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value—engineering degrees typically offer strong returns, and this debt load won't be crushing even at the lower end of Michigan's range. But parents should verify these projections by connecting with Lawrence Tech's career services for placement rates and actual employer relationships in metro Detroit's manufacturing and automotive sectors, where industrial engineers find most opportunities.
Where Lawrence Technological University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all industrial engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Industrial Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (8 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,872 | $77,815* | — | $24,417* | — | |
| $17,228 | $86,476* | $94,917 | $20,306* | 0.23 | |
| $46,380 | $85,105* | $85,107 | —* | — | |
| $14,297 | $77,815* | — | $24,340* | 0.31 | |
| $14,694 | $77,169* | — | $29,750* | 0.39 | |
| $15,298 | $74,670* | $78,391 | —* | — | |
| 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 Lawrence Technological University, approximately 17% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.