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
Earnings Distribution
How Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | $82,394 | $89,329 | +8% |
| Rice University | $87,830 | $108,850 | +24% |
| University of Notre Dame | $83,377 | $96,794 | +16% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $81,105 | $85,260 | +5% |
| Trine University | $72,875 | $83,801 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rose-Hulman Institute of TechnologyTerre Haute | $56,674 | $82,394 | $89,329 | $24,500 | 0.30 |
 University of Notre DameNotre Dame | $62,693 | $83,377 | $96,794 | $19,000 | 0.23 |
 Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette | $9,992 | $81,105 | $85,260 | $21,500 | 0.27 |
 Trine UniversityAngola | $35,600 | $72,875 | $83,801 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
| 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 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.