2026 Best Value Industrial & Management Engineering Schools in California

1

California State University East Bay
Hayward, CA

For return on investment in industrial & management engineering, no school beat California State University East Bay this year. California State University East Bay is a large public school located in the suburb of Hayward. In-state tuition and fees average $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,073 to complete the industrial & management engineering program here. Soon after graduation, industrial & management engineering degree recipients from California State University East Bay generally make around $58,951. Set against $18,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

2

California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA

California State University Northridge came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value industrial & management engineering schools. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,202 to complete the industrial & management engineering program here. Industrial & Management Engineering graduates of California State University Northridge earn a median of $48,437 early in their careers. Set against $16,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

3

Stanford University
Stanford, CA

A rank of #3 makes Stanford University one of the best values for industrial & management engineering. Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Stanford. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Industrial & Management Engineering graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Industrial & Management Engineering graduates of Stanford University earn a median of $117,080 early in their careers. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

4

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Jose State University earned it the #4 place for industrial & management engineering. Set in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%.

5

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned it the #5 place for industrial & management engineering. Set in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Industrial & Management Engineering graduates carry a median of $19,273 in student loans. Soon after graduation, industrial & management engineering degree recipients from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo generally make around $61,010. Set against $19,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of The Pacific
Stockton, CA

University Of The Pacific landed the #6 spot for industrial & management engineering value this year. Located in the city of Stockton, University Of The Pacific is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $57,080. Typical student debt for industrial & management engineering graduates is $23,514. Early-career industrial & management engineering graduates make about $77,022. Set against $23,514 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

7

National University
San Diego, CA

National University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value industrial & management engineering schools. Set in the city of San Diego, National University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. Industrial & Management Engineering graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. Soon after graduation, industrial & management engineering degree recipients from National University generally make around $90,598. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA

Santa Clara University landed the #8 spot for industrial & management engineering value this year. Set in the city of Santa Clara, Santa Clara University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,293. Students borrow a median of $20,144 to complete the industrial & management engineering program here. Soon after graduation, industrial & management engineering degree recipients from Santa Clara University generally make around $79,380. That is a strong return on a $20,144 median debt. The acceptance rate is 48%.