Chemical Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri S&T's chemical engineering graduates are pulling ahead of both state and national averages right from the start, earning $78,369 in their first year—about $5,000 more than the typical chemical engineering grad nationwide and nearly $8,500 more than the Missouri median. This isn't just a Missouri winner; it ranks in the 72nd percentile nationally among chemical engineering programs, putting it squarely in the upper tier of a competitive field. With debt at $24,250 (just above national norms), graduates owe about 31 cents for every dollar they earn in year one—a ratio that signals strong affordability for an engineering degree.

The earnings trajectory looks solid if unspectacular, climbing to $85,206 by year four. That 9% growth is respectable, though chemical engineers often see their biggest salary jumps early in their careers as they gain specialized experience. Missouri S&T's 73% admission rate means this isn't a hyper-selective program, yet it's delivering outcomes that beat much of the competition, including Washington University in St. Louis despite that school's prestige advantage.

For families weighing engineering options in Missouri or the broader Midwest, this program offers strong earning power without excessive debt burden. The combination of accessible admissions and above-average outcomes makes it a practical choice—graduates start earning well immediately and carry manageable loans.