Analysis
A bachelor's in Industrial Engineering with first-year earnings around $75,000 and debt near $25,000 would typically represent solid valueβbut prospective students should understand these figures come from national peer programs rather than Navajo Technical University's actual graduate outcomes. With limited data available for industrial engineering programs in New Mexico (only two schools offer it statewide), families are essentially making a decision based on what happens at comparable programs nationwide.
The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 suggests graduates from similar programs can typically manage their loans, paying roughly a third of their first-year salary toward what they borrowed. Industrial engineering generally commands strong starting salaries across the country, which explains why the national median matches the estimate here. However, without knowing how NTU's specific curriculum, industry connections, or graduate placement compare to established programs, there's inherent uncertainty in assuming similar outcomes.
For families considering this program, the key question is whether Navajo Technical University can deliver results comparable to the national average for industrial engineering graduates. Given that half the student body receives Pell grants, affordability matters significantly. The estimated debt load is manageable if earnings materialize as projected, but verifying placement rates, employer partnerships, and where recent graduates actually landed jobs would help validate whether this program can match the strong outcomes typical of industrial engineering degrees elsewhere.
Where Navajo Technical University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all industrial engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Industrial Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,250 | $74,709* | β | $24,889* | β | |
| $8,540 | $91,470* | $110,403 | $24,989* | 0.27 | |
| $65,997 | $89,811* | $107,105 | $17,912* | 0.20 | |
| $11,764 | $87,826* | $101,070 | $21,750* | 0.25 | |
| $68,237 | $87,807* | $114,688 | $18,250* | 0.21 | |
| $11,075 | $87,226* | $103,886 | $19,691* | 0.23 | |
| National Median | β | $74,709* | β | $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 Navajo Technical University, approximately 49% 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 national median of 93 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.