Analysis
Auburn's chemical engineering program launches graduates into strong starting salaries at $82,217—well above the national median of $73,000 and outperforming larger programs at Alabama and South Alabama. This places Auburn in the 94th percentile nationally, an impressive showing for a moderately selective program. The $23,104 typical debt burden is entirely reasonable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.28 that graduates can manage comfortably.
The state percentile ranking of 60th might seem lower than expected given Auburn's strong absolute numbers, but this reflects Alabama's small sample of chemical engineering programs rather than a weakness. Auburn still delivers the highest earnings among the state's five programs, with a meaningful $11,000 advantage over the University of Alabama. Earnings growth to $93,708 by year four shows graduates advancing steadily in their careers.
For families weighing Auburn against other Alabama options, the numbers are clear: this program delivers the best financial outcomes in the state while maintaining manageable debt levels. The combination of strong starting salaries, solid career progression, and reasonable borrowing makes this a straightforward choice for Alabama residents considering chemical engineering.
Where Auburn University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Auburn University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | $82,217 | $93,708 | +14% |
| Rice University | $87,830 | $108,850 | +24% |
| University of South Alabama | $71,116 | $88,406 | +24% |
| The University of Alabama | $69,809 | $86,590 | +24% |
| Tuskegee University | $51,473 | $79,332 | +54% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Auburn UniversityAuburn | $12,536 | $82,217 | $93,708 | $23,104 | 0.28 |
 University of South AlabamaMobile | $9,676 | $71,116 | $88,406 | $24,500 | 0.34 |
 The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa | $11,900 | $69,809 | $86,590 | $23,003 | 0.33 |
 University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsville | $11,770 | $60,528 | — | $27,000 | 0.45 |
 Tuskegee UniversityTuskegee | $23,440 | $51,473 | $79,332 | — | — |
| National Median | — | $72,974 | — | $23,250 | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with chemical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Chemical Engineers
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Auburn University, approximately 12% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 73 graduates with reported earnings and 66 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.