Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$85,322
Est. from TX median (8 programs)
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$20,019
Est. from TX median (7 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

Chemical engineering programs in Texas cluster tightly around $85,000-$87,000 in starting salaries, and UT Tyler's estimated outcomes land right in that range. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates here appear competitive with those from Rice, UT Austin, and Texas A&M—all commanding similar first-year earnings. The estimated $20,000 debt load is actually slightly lower than both the state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 that suggests strong financial fundamentals for this field.

The caveat worth noting: because UT Tyler's program is small enough that the Department of Education suppresses its actual graduate outcomes, these figures represent what similar chemical engineering programs in Texas typically produce rather than verified results from this specific school. That said, the consistency across Texas programs—where even elite institutions show remarkably similar starting salaries—suggests the state's petrochemical industry creates relatively standardized demand for new chemical engineers regardless of where they earned their degree.

For parents evaluating this option, the combination of accessible admission standards (92% acceptance rate) and peer-program earnings that rival flagship universities presents an interesting value proposition. If your child can handle the rigorous coursework, this appears to be a pathway into a high-paying field without the debt burden or competitive admissions of Texas's most selective engineering schools. Just recognize you're making this decision based on state patterns rather than this program's track record.

Where The University of Texas at Tyler Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all chemical engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (10 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
The University of Texas at TylerTyler$9,920$85,322*—$20,019*—
Rice UniversityHouston$58,128$87,830*$108,850$13,178*0.15
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$87,365*$95,916$19,844*0.23
Lamar UniversityBeaumont$8,690$87,284*$107,127$20,019*0.23
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$86,176*$105,292$18,135*0.21
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$84,468*$87,883$20,000*0.24
National Median—$72,974*—$23,250*0.32
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with chemical engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chemical Engineers

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

$121,860/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

$106,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Robotics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Nanosystems Engineers

Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.

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 The University of Texas at Tyler, approximately 38% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.