Industrial Engineering at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Oklahoma's Industrial Engineering program lands squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, but here's what matters for an Oklahoma family: it outperforms the state median by $2,000 annually and delivers significantly stronger outcomes than Oklahoma State's program, which sits $3,500 lower in first-year earnings. With only two schools offering this program in-state, OU represents the stronger option for keeping tuition costs down while studying industrial engineering.

The financial fundamentals work well. Graduates carry $26,125 in debt against $72,397 in first-year earnings—a 0.36 ratio that's better than typical for engineering programs. More importantly, earnings jump 24% by year four to nearly $90,000, suggesting graduates are advancing into roles with real responsibility. That trajectory matters because it indicates the degree opens doors beyond entry-level positions.

The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) adds some uncertainty to these figures, but the pattern is consistent: manageable debt, solid starting salary, and meaningful growth. For Oklahoma families considering industrial engineering, this program delivers straightforward value—not spectacular, but reliable enough to justify the investment, especially compared to the limited in-state alternatives.