Chemical Engineering at Benedictine College

Chemical engineering at a selective liberal arts college like Benedictine represents an unusual path in a field typically dominated by large research universities. Based on comparable programs nationally, first-year earnings around $73,000 with estimated debt of $26,000 suggest solid financial footing—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about four months of gross salary. However, Kansas State's chemical engineers command $77,500 in their first year, raising questions about whether Benedictine's smaller program can match the recruiting pipelines and industry connections of Kansas's flagship institutions.

The estimated debt figure sits slightly above both state and national medians for chemical engineering programs, which matters in a field where many graduates leave with less than $23,000 in loans. At a school where only 16% of students receive Pell grants, families are likely paying more out-of-pocket as well. The true test will be whether Benedictine's close-knit environment and potentially stronger mentorship compensate for what appears to be a modest earnings gap compared to the state's major programs.

For families drawn to Benedictine's mission and size, chemical engineering could work financially—the fundamentals aren't worrying. But given that these figures are derived from peer programs rather than actual graduate outcomes, you're essentially betting on Benedictine delivering results similar to the national median without the track record to prove it yet. If your student wants chemical engineering specifically, Kansas State's documented outcomes offer more certainty.