Chemical Engineering at University at Buffalo

Chemical engineering graduates from UB start behind their peers, earning about $68,000 in their first year—roughly $5,000 below both national and state medians for this major. While the program ranks at the 40th percentile statewide, that still means it trails most other New York chemical engineering programs, including not just Cornell and RPI but also smaller schools like Clarkson and RIT. The gap persists even four years out, when UB grads hit $80,000 compared to the national median of $73,000 for first-year earners at other programs.

The upside here is manageable debt. At $23,161, UB keeps borrowing nearly in line with national norms, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34—meaning graduates can reasonably expect to pay off loans within a few years. The 18% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests the degree does build valuable experience over time. For families considering UB's lower tuition costs compared to private alternatives like RPI or Clarkson, the program delivers solid engineering credentials without crippling debt.

The tradeoff is straightforward: you're accepting lower initial earning potential in exchange for accessibility and affordability. If your child can gain admission to higher-ranked New York programs and the additional cost isn't prohibitive, those likely offer better returns. But for families prioritizing a manageable debt load while still accessing legitimate engineering opportunities, UB provides a viable path into the field.