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

1

Wichita State University
Wichita, KS

Wichita State University earned the #1 spot for value among industrial engineering schools in the The Plains States Region. Set in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public institution. 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 industrial engineering program here. Industrial Engineering graduates of Wichita State University earn a median of $49,278 early in their careers. Set against $24,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants.

2

University Of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO

A rank of #2 makes University Of Central Missouri one of the best values for industrial engineering. Located in the town of Warrensburg, University Of Central Missouri is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,304 to complete the industrial engineering program here. Early-career industrial engineering graduates make about $45,496. That is a strong return on a $24,304 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.

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 industrial engineering. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Industrial Engineering graduates carry a median of $22,802 in student loans. Soon after graduation, industrial engineering degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $73,777. That is a strong return on a $22,802 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.

4

North Dakota State University Main Campus
Fargo, ND

Students looking for strong value in industrial engineering will find it at North Dakota State University Main Campus, which ranked #4. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the city of Fargo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the industrial engineering program here. Industrial Engineering graduates of North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of $68,873 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.

5

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in industrial engineering, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the industrial engineering program here. Soon after graduation, industrial engineering degree recipients from Kansas State University generally make around $77,724. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants.

6

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value industrial engineering schools. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete the industrial engineering program here. Soon after graduation, industrial engineering degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $94,216. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN

University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value industrial engineering schools. Located in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Typical student debt for industrial engineering graduates is $24,185. Early-career industrial engineering graduates make about $77,781. That is a strong return on a $24,185 median debt. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants.

8

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #8 spot for industrial engineering value this year. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Typical student debt for industrial engineering graduates is $26,512. Industrial Engineering graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $79,894 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,512 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

9

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
Rapid City, SD

South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology came in at #9 for value in industrial engineering this year. Set in the city of Rapid City, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,500, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. Industrial Engineering graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Industrial Engineering graduates of South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology earn a median of $70,216 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

10

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa placed #10 among the best values for industrial engineering. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Typical student debt for industrial engineering graduates is $22,540. Industrial Engineering graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $75,699 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,540 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants.