Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Based on comparable Industrial Engineering programs in Michigan, UM-Dearborn graduates can expect first-year earnings around $77,815 with median debt of $24,340—numbers that land squarely in the middle of the state's engineering schools. While we're working with estimates here (the actual graduate cohort was too small to report), this debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 represents one of the most favorable profiles for any undergraduate degree. The estimated debt is roughly one-third of first-year salary, suggesting manageable monthly payments that won't dominate a graduate's budget.
The context here matters: Michigan industrial engineering programs cluster tightly together, with UM-Dearborn's estimated outcomes sitting between flagship Ann Arbor ($86,476) and schools like Western Michigan ($74,670). The $77,815 figure also sits just above the national median of $74,709, which is reassuring for a regional campus without the prestige premium of Ann Arbor. For families concerned about value, that 59% admission rate and $24,340 debt load make this a more accessible path to similar outcomes than some higher-ranked alternatives.
The practical takeaway: if your student is admitted and interested in manufacturing or operations roles—sectors where Michigan's auto industry creates strong demand—this program offers a plausible route to solid engineering employment without the debt burden that would make early-career choices stressful. Just recognize these figures reflect peer programs statewide, not UM-Dearborn's specific track record.
Where University of Michigan-Dearborn 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn | $14,944 | $77,815* | — | $24,340* | — |
 University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor | $17,228 | $86,476* | $94,917 | $20,306* | 0.23 |
 Kettering UniversityFlint | $46,380 | $85,105* | $85,107 | —* | — |
 Wayne State UniversityDetroit | $14,297 | $77,815* | — | $24,340* | 0.31 |
 Oakland UniversityRochester Hills | $14,694 | $77,169* | — | $29,750* | 0.39 |
 Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo | $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 University of Michigan-Dearborn, approximately 44% 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.