Analysis
Trine's chemical engineering graduates start at $72,875—right at the national median but trailing Indiana's typical program by nearly $9,000. Among the state's four chemical engineering programs, this ranks 40th percentile, meaning graduates here earn less than at Notre Dame, Rose-Hulman, and Purdue's flagship. That gap matters in a state where engineering talent tends to command premium wages.
The financial picture has one clear strength: debt. At $27,000, students borrow just slightly more than the national median while keeping their debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.37. That's genuinely low for engineering, ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden. Graduates see solid 15% earnings growth over four years, reaching $83,801, which actually surpasses what Purdue grads earn initially.
The catch? This data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances heavily influence these numbers. For a family choosing between Trine's 85% admission rate and Purdue's more selective program, the tradeoff is clear: you'll likely pay similar debt but earn about $8,000 less initially. If your student can gain admission to Purdue or Rose-Hulman, those programs deliver stronger starting salaries. But Trine offers reasonable debt and proven earnings growth for students who want accessible entry into chemical engineering.
Where Trine University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Trine University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trine University | $72,875 | $83,801 | +15% |
| Rice University | $87,830 | $108,850 | +24% |
| University of Notre Dame | $83,377 | $96,794 | +16% |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | $82,394 | $89,329 | +8% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $81,105 | $85,260 | +5% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Trine UniversityAngola | $35,600 | $72,875 | $83,801 | $27,000 | 0.37 |
 University of Notre DameNotre Dame | $62,693 | $83,377 | $96,794 | $19,000 | 0.23 |
 Rose-Hulman Institute of TechnologyTerre Haute | $56,674 | $82,394 | $89,329 | $24,500 | 0.30 |
 Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette | $9,992 | $81,105 | $85,260 | $21,500 | 0.27 |
| 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 Trine University, approximately 16% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.