Chemical Engineering at North Carolina A & T State University

North Carolina A&T's chemical engineering program launches graduates into solid starting salaries—$78,323 beats the national median by nearly $5,000 and places them above 72% of programs nationwide. However, among North Carolina's three chemical engineering programs, it trails both NC State ($81,492) and the state median ($79,908), landing at the 40th percentile statewide. For in-state families weighing their options, that gap matters, though the $26,000 debt load remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33.

The earnings trajectory raises questions: instead of climbing, median pay drops to $73,527 by year four. This could reflect industry volatility, career pivoting, or simply the reality that this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates—a sample too small to draw firm conclusions about long-term outcomes. With 51% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves many first-generation college students who benefit from NC A&T's strong HBCU network and engineering reputation.

For families choosing between NC State and A&T, the difference is roughly $8,000 in starting salary but potentially offset by NC A&T's access and community. If your student has competitive stats, NC State's higher earnings justify serious consideration. But A&T delivers respectable outcomes at reasonable debt, particularly for students who'll thrive in its supportive environment.