Chemical Engineering at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UT Knoxville's chemical engineering program delivers solid returns that outpace both state and national benchmarks. Starting at $76,302—beating the state median by over $8,000—graduates see steady earnings growth to $82,312 by year four. Among Tennessee's five chemical engineering programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only Vanderbilt among major universities. The debt load of $22,375 sits just below the national average and translates to a manageable 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates typically owe less than four months of their first-year salary.

The program's strength lies in its combination of strong starting salaries and responsible borrowing. While it doesn't command the premium of elite programs, graduates consistently out-earn the $67,970 state median and the $72,974 national median. The 8% earnings growth over four years suggests stable career progression in chemical engineering, a field known for rewarding technical expertise with steady advancement. For in-state families paying lower tuition rates, the value proposition becomes even stronger.

This represents a practical choice for students serious about engineering careers. UT Knoxville provides access to a respected program at a flagship public university, producing outcomes that justify the investment without saddling graduates with crushing debt. For Tennessee families, it's the clear value leader among public options in the state.