Chemical Engineering at University of Arizona

University of Arizona's chemical engineering program produces graduates earning slightly below both the national median ($73,479 vs. $72,974) and the Arizona state median ($76,146). With only two schools offering this degree in Arizona, the comparison essentially comes down to U of A versus Arizona State, where ASU graduates out-earn their U of A counterparts by about $5,300 in the first year. That gap matters for families comparing these two accessible in-state options.

The financial fundamentals are solid, though not exceptional. Graduates carry $21,250 in debt—slightly below the national median—and earn enough that the debt represents just 29% of first-year income. Earnings grow steadily to nearly $86,000 by year four, a respectable 17% increase that suggests career progression. These are workable numbers for a technical degree, though chemical engineering typically commands higher starting salaries at more selective programs.

For Arizona families, this represents a reasonable middle ground: an accessible program (86% admission rate) that produces employable engineers without crushing debt. The earnings won't match the top tier of chemical engineering programs nationally, but the degree delivers what most parents want—a clear path to a professional salary with manageable borrowing.