Analysis
Chemical engineering programs in Pennsylvania typically deliver strong returns, and the estimated figures here—$77,528 in first-year earnings against $27,000 in debt—suggest Geneva College's program likely follows that pattern. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 means graduates would be looking at roughly four months of their first year's salary to cover educational debt, a manageable load that should allow for reasonable loan repayment while building financial stability. The earnings estimate matches Pennsylvania's median exactly and sits above the national benchmark of $72,974, indicating graduates would enter a robust job market for chemical engineers.
The challenge with Geneva's program is the uncertainty inherent in these estimates. Because the graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes, we're relying on what similar Pennsylvania engineering programs produce. The actual results could vary—either direction—from these peer-based projections. Pennsylvania's chemical engineering landscape includes everything from Lehigh's $82,435 median down to programs in the mid-$70,000s, so there's natural variation even among established schools.
For families weighing this investment, the estimated numbers point toward solid value, but you're working with less certainty than you'd have at larger programs with published data. If your student thrives in smaller educational settings and Geneva's specific culture appeals, the projected financial outcomes support that choice—just recognize you're making that decision with educated estimates rather than school-specific track records.
Where Geneva College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,610 | $77,528* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $62,180 | $82,435* | $93,093 | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| $66,104 | $81,721* | $107,816 | $20,500* | 0.25 | |
| $64,772 | $80,653* | $101,352 | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| $62,574 | $79,602* | $86,678 | $17,000* | 0.21 | |
| $60,663 | $77,528* | $90,679 | $30,860* | 0.40 | |
| 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 Geneva College, approximately 32% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.