2026 Best Value General Industrial Engineering Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Wichita State University
Wichita, KS

Our analysis ranked Wichita State University the best value for a degree in general industrial engineering in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,262 to complete the general industrial engineering program here. Early-career general industrial engineering graduates make about $49,278. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.

2

University Of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO

Students looking for strong value in general industrial engineering will find it at University Of Central Missouri, which ranked #2. Set in the town of Warrensburg, University Of Central Missouri is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. Students borrow a median of $24,304 to complete the general industrial engineering program here. General Industrial Engineering graduates of University Of Central Missouri earn a median of $45,496 early in their careers. Set against $24,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Missouri admits about 64% of applicants.

3

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned it the #3 place for general industrial engineering. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. General Industrial Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,802 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general industrial engineering degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $73,777. Set against $22,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.

4

North Dakota State University Main Campus
Fargo, ND

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State University Main Campus earned it the #4 place for general industrial engineering. Located in the city of Fargo, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. General Industrial Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general industrial engineering degree recipients from North Dakota State University Main Campus generally make around $68,873. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants.

5

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS

A rank of #5 makes Kansas State University one of the best values for general industrial engineering. Set in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. General Industrial Engineering graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career general industrial engineering graduates make about $77,724. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

6

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general industrial engineering schools. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical student debt for general industrial engineering graduates is $23,750. General Industrial Engineering graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $94,216 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN

University Of Minnesota Duluth placed #7 among the best values for general industrial engineering. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public school located in the city of Duluth. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Students borrow a median of $24,185 to complete the general industrial engineering program here. General Industrial Engineering graduates of University Of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of $77,781 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants.

8

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia placed #8 among the best values for general industrial engineering. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. General Industrial Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,512 in student loans. Early-career general industrial engineering graduates make about $79,894. Set against $26,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants.

9

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
Rapid City, SD

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology earned the #9 position for value in general industrial engineering this year. Set in the city of Rapid City, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,500, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the general industrial engineering program here. Soon after graduation, general industrial engineering degree recipients from South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology generally make around $70,216. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology admits about 80% of applicants.

10

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa came in at #10 for value in general industrial engineering this year. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. General Industrial Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,540 in student loans. Early-career general industrial engineering graduates make about $75,699. That is a strong return on a $22,540 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.