Chemical Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Rose-Hulman's chemical engineering program lands squarely in elite territory nationally—95th percentile for earnings—but the Indiana comparison tells a more nuanced story. At $82,394 first-year, graduates earn essentially the same as the state median and trail Notre Dame slightly, though they're ahead of Purdue by about $1,300. With just four schools offering this major in Indiana, you're looking at a program that performs solidly among a small, competitive field rather than dominating it.
The financial picture is straightforward and manageable: $24,500 in median debt represents just 30% of first-year earnings, meaning graduates can realistically tackle loans while building their careers. Earnings climb 8% by year four to $89,329, showing stable career progression typical for engineering disciplines. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests this data reflects consistent outcomes rather than statistical noise.
For parents, this is a reliable choice if your student is serious about chemical engineering. Rose-Hulman's 73% admission rate makes it more accessible than Notre Dame while delivering comparable starting salaries, and the debt load won't derail early career financial goals. You're paying for strong national outcomes rather than regional dominance, which matters more if your child plans to work anywhere beyond the Midwest.
Where Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn $82k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all chemical engineering bachelors programs nationally.
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 Indiana
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (4 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | $82,394 | $89,329 | $24,500 | 0.30 |
| University of Notre Dame | $83,377 | $96,794 | $19,000 | 0.23 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $81,105 | $85,260 | $21,500 | 0.27 |
| Trine University | $72,875 | $83,801 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
| National Median | $72,974 | — | $23,250 | 0.32 |
Other Chemical Engineering Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Notre Dame Notre Dame | $62,693 | $83,377 | $19,000 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette | $9,992 | $81,105 | $21,500 |
| Trine University Angola | $35,600 | $72,875 | $27,000 |
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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, approximately 12% 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 62 graduates with reported earnings and 72 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.