Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree) at Louisiana Tech University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$79,157

76th percentile

Median Debt

$18,342

21% below national median

Analysis

Louisiana Tech's chemical engineering program shows strong first-year earnings at $79,157—beating the national median by $6,000 and ranking in the 76th percentile nationally. Within Louisiana, it's the highest-earning chemical engineering program among the five schools offering this degree, outpacing LSU's $74,786 and significantly ahead of UL Lafayette's $63,886. The relatively low debt load of $18,342 creates a favorable 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than three months of their first-year salary.

The caveat here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers could shift substantially with a different cohort. That said, the combination of above-average earnings, manageable debt, and Louisiana Tech's reasonable admission profile (73% acceptance rate, 1190 average SAT) suggests an accessible program that delivers solid outcomes for chemical engineering students.

For families weighing in-state options, Louisiana Tech appears to outperform its Louisiana competitors while keeping debt well below the state median of $20,500. The engineering job market in Louisiana—with its petrochemical industry presence—provides natural career pathways, and these graduates enter that market with minimal financial burden. Just remember the small sample limitation when projecting your own student's likely outcome.

Where Louisiana Tech University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all chemical engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Louisiana Tech University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana

Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (5 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston	$10,125	$79,157	—	$18,342	0.23
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge	$11,954	$74,786	$99,522	$20,500	0.27
University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette	$10,418	$63,886	$78,642	$22,000	0.34
National Median	—	$72,974	—	$23,250	0.32

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with chemical engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chemical Engineers

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

$121,860/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

$106,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Robotics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Nanosystems Engineers

Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.

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 Louisiana Tech University, approximately 21% 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 27 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.