Industrial Engineering at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Certificate

University of Kentucky accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 23,189 in Lexington, KY.

Program Analysis

University of Kentucky's Industrial Engineering program produces graduates earning $76,033/yr — within striking distance of the $76,033 national average for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 60.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Industrial Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Industrial Engineering's career paths, with 43% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $25,459 in median debt clears fast against $76,033 in annual earnings.

This program is one of 1 schools offering Industrial Engineering in our dataset — a specialized trade with limited comparison points.

There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Industrial Engineering, including Logistics Engineer (median $101,140/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
62
Low End
66
Score
68
High End
Earnings $76,033/yr (0% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (57% shielded)
Job Market Large (60,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$795K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
60.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$13,212
Out-of-state: $33,406
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,459
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Industrial Engineering graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Architectural and engineering managers $167,740 +3.8% 59%
Industrial production managers $121,440 +1.9% 66%
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120 +8.1% 50%
Architectural and engineering managers
$167,740
+3.8% growth 59% AI-proof
Industrial production managers
$121,440
+1.9% growth 66% AI-proof
Engineering teachers, postsecondary
$106,120
+8.1% growth 50% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

Industrial Engineering Career Guide

Industrial Engineering opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Industrial Engineering career guide →

Compare & Explore

Industrial Engineering Overview

Other Majors at University of Kentucky

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Kentucky's Industrial Engineering program score?
At 66/100, the score looks reasonable — but Industrial Engineering is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How vulnerable is Industrial Engineering to AI automation?
With 43% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $795,473 in decade earnings vs $795,473 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Why does University of Kentucky rank so high for Industrial Engineering?
The #1 ranking out of 1 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Industrial Engineering program at University of Kentucky?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Industrial Engineering occupations, such as Logistics Engineer and Wine Maker (Vinous Liquor). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Industrial Engineering graduates?
Job availability for Industrial Engineering is strong — 60,900 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For University of Kentucky graduates specifically, local market conditions in KY may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →