Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | — | $102,617 | $23,125 | — |
| Lehigh University | $82,435 | $93,093 | $27,000 | 0.33 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $81,721 | $107,816 | $20,500 | 0.25 |
| Bucknell University | $80,653 | $101,352 | $27,000 | 0.33 |
| Lafayette College | $79,602 | $86,678 | $17,000 | 0.21 |
| Drexel University | $77,528 | $90,679 | $30,860 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $72,974 | — | $23,250 | 0.32 |
Other Chemical Engineering Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $82,435 | $27,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia | $66,104 | $81,721 | $20,500 |
| Bucknell University Lewisburg | $64,772 | $80,653 | $27,000 |
| Lafayette College Easton | $62,574 | $79,602 | $17,000 |
| Drexel University Philadelphia | $60,663 | $77,528 | $30,860 |
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 Carnegie Mellon University, approximately 15% 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.