Industrial Engineering at Western Michigan University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Western Michigan University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Western Michigan University graduates earn $75k, placing them in the 50th percentile of all industrial engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Industrial Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Michigan University | $74,670 | $78,391 | $24,340* | — |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $86,476 | $94,917 | $20,306* | 0.23 |
| Kettering University | $85,105 | $85,107 | —* | — |
| Wayne State University | $77,815 | — | $24,340* | 0.31 |
| Oakland University | $77,169 | — | $29,750* | 0.39 |
| National Median | $74,709 | — | $24,889* | 0.33 |
Other Industrial Engineering Programs in Michigan
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor | $17,228 | $86,476 | $20,306 |
| Kettering University Flint | $46,380 | $85,105 | — |
| Wayne State University Detroit | $14,297 | $77,815 | $24,340 |
| Oakland University Rochester Hills | $14,694 | $77,169 | $29,750 |
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 Western Michigan University, approximately 25% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.