2026 Best Value General Industrial Engineering Schools in California

1

California State University East Bay
Hayward, CA

California State University East Bay earned the #1 spot for value among general industrial engineering schools in California. Set in the suburb of Hayward, California State University East Bay is a large public institution. 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 general industrial engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general industrial engineering degree recipients from California State University East Bay generally make around $58,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%.

2

California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Pomona, CA

A rank of #2 makes California State Polytechnic University Pomona one of the best values for general industrial engineering. Located in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. General Industrial Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general industrial engineering degree recipients from California State Polytechnic University Pomona generally make around $75,110. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

3

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

Students looking for strong value in general industrial engineering will find it at San Jose State University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

4

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

A rank of #4 makes California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo one of the best values for general industrial 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. Typical student debt for general industrial engineering graduates is $19,691. General Industrial Engineering graduates of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of $87,226 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of San Diego
San Diego, CA

University Of San Diego came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general industrial engineering schools. Set in the city of San Diego, University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $59,486 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general industrial engineering graduates is $23,795. General Industrial Engineering graduates of University Of San Diego earn a median of $80,644 early in their careers. Set against $23,795 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%.

6

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California earned the #6 position for value in general industrial engineering this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,250 to complete the general industrial engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general industrial engineering degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $87,807. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted.