Best Industrial Engineering Schools in California

California has 4 colleges offering Industrial Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 231 recent graduates. Graduates earn $69,975 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $67,367.

School choice matters significantly: University of Southern California graduates earn $78,029 while San Jose State University graduates earn $61,020 — a $17,009 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

4
Schools in CA
$69,975
CA Avg. Earnings
$67,367
National Avg.
82
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Industrial Engineering in California

Public Schools (3)
$67,290
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (1)
$78,029
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $10,739 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Industrial Engineering Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
U

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$78,029
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $70,709
Graduates: 44
Acceptance: 10.0%
#2
C

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public

$73,562
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $72,643
Graduates: 70
Acceptance: 29.8%
#3
C

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public

$67,287
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $65,420
Graduates: 90
Acceptance: 73.7%
#4
S

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA · Public

$61,020
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $65,042
Graduates: 27
Acceptance: 80.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Industrial Engineering in California?
University of Southern California ranks #1 for Industrial Engineering in California with median graduate earnings of $78,029 within two years of graduation. There are 4 schools offering Industrial Engineering programs in the state.
How much do Industrial Engineering graduates earn in California?
Industrial Engineering graduates in California earn an average of $69,975 within two years of graduation. This is 4% above the national average of $67,367 for this major.
What is the hardest Industrial Engineering school to get into in California?
University of Southern California is the most selective Industrial Engineering program in California with an acceptance rate of 10.0%. The average acceptance rate across Industrial Engineering programs in the state is 48.4%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Industrial Engineering in California?
In California, private Industrial Engineering programs produce average earnings of $78,029 vs $67,290 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 1 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

All colleges in California →

Industrial Engineering in Other States

Get Industrial Engineering Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.