Industrial Engineering at University of Arkansas

University of Arkansas industrial engineering graduates enter the workforce earning $76,000—slightly above the national median for the program—and see that grow to nearly $95,000 within four years. That 25% earnings bump is solid, and the debt load of $26,500 translates to a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio. While graduates land at the 60th percentile nationally (meaning they're earning more than about half of industrial engineering graduates nationwide), the real story is the debt side: this program ranks in the 30th percentile for debt, meaning 70% of industrial engineering programs leave students with more to pay back.

As the only industrial engineering program in Arkansas, direct in-state comparisons aren't possible, but the fundamentals remain strong. Starting salary covers the debt nearly three times over in that first year, and by year four, graduates have considerably more earning power. The University of Arkansas's 72% admission rate makes this relatively accessible for most serious applicants.

For parents weighing return on investment, this hits the right notes: reasonable debt, above-average starting pay, and meaningful earnings growth. The moderate sample size suggests the numbers are reasonably reliable without being based on just a handful of graduates. If your student is drawn to industrial engineering and considering staying in the region, this program offers a straightforward path to financial stability without the debt burden that plagues many college graduates.