Industrial Engineering Degree in Colorado Springs, CO — Salary & ROI 2026
Industrial Engineering degree analysis for Colorado Springs, CO. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$92K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$128K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
1.7 yrs
in Colorado Springs
Cost of Living
122
index (100 = avg)
Industrial Engineering in Colorado Springs, CO Overview
Colorado Springs is one of Colorado's top college towns, with 22 institutions and a student population of 22,576. Public tuition averages $5,325/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Industrial Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Operations Research and Lean Manufacturing. The adjusted starting salary in Colorado Springs is approximately $91,500.
Category
Engineering
Local Colleges
22
Public Tuition
$5,325/yr
Private Tuition
$62,070/yr
Room & Board
$15,455/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$13,479/yr
Unemployment
5%
Graduation Rate
71%
Industrial Engineering Salary in Colorado Springs (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Colorado Springs's cost of living index of 122 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Industrial Engineering salary: $75,000 starting, $105,000 mid-career, $130,000 senior level.Colorado Springs adjustment factor: 1.22x based on the local cost of living index.
Industrial Engineering ROI Calculator for Colorado Springs
Estimate your return on investment for a Industrial Engineering degree using local Colorado Springs tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $5,325 | Private avg: $62,070
Colorado Springs avg aid: $13,479/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$83,120
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$48,800
vs HS diploma in Colorado Springs
ROI Payback Period
1.7 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Colorado Springs
$1,014,880
Lifetime earnings premium ($1,098,000) minus total education cost ($83,120)
Student Loan Payoff for Industrial Engineering in Colorado Springs
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Colorado Springs for Industrial Engineering
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
public
$10,650/yr
$42,600 total
Colorado College
private
$62,070/yr
$248,280 total
United States Air Force Academy
public
$0/yr
$0 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Pikes Peak State College
$4,056/yr
Top Employers for Industrial Engineering in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Industrial Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Colorado Springs Hiring Sectors for Engineering
Engineering firms
Manufacturing
Defense contractors
Energy companies
Construction firms
Common Industrial Engineering Job Titles
Industrial Engineering in Nearby Colorado Cities
Denver, CO
$96K starting · COL 128
31 colleges
Aurora, CO
$83K starting · COL 111
28 colleges
Fort Collins, CO
$95K starting · COL 126
5 colleges
Lakewood, CO
$79K starting · COL 105.8
6 colleges
Thornton, CO
$77K starting · COL 102.5
6 colleges
Arvada, CO
$79K starting · COL 105.5
5 colleges
Westminster, CO
$78K starting · COL 103.8
5 colleges
Pueblo, CO
$92K starting · COL 122
13 colleges
Other Engineering Majors in Colorado Springs
Petroleum Engineering
$61K starting · 2.5 yr ROI
Computer Engineering
$61K starting · 3 yr ROI
Chemical Engineering
$100K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Nuclear Engineering
$61K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Electrical Engineering
$98K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Aerospace Engineering
$98K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mechanical Engineering
$95K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Mining Engineering
$61K starting · 3 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Industrial Engineering degree outcomes in Colorado Springs, CO: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Industrial Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Colorado.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Colorado Springs using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Industrial Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Industrial Engineering career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Industrial Engineering grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Colorado Springs Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Colorado students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Colorado programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "colorado higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Industrial Engineering Degree in Colorado Springs — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Industrial Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Colorado Springs.