Chemical Engineering at University of Delaware

University of Delaware's chemical engineering graduates start at $80,564—significantly above the national median of $73,000 and ranking in the 84th percentile nationally. That's strong placement for a program at a school with a 65% admission rate. The $26,058 median debt translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, meaning graduates earn about three times what they owe. While Delaware has only one chemical engineering program (making state rankings less meaningful), the national comparison is what matters here, and these graduates are clearly competitive.

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to $86,289 by year four, which is typical for engineering careers where significant salary jumps often come after establishing expertise. Starting nearly $8,000 above the national median gives these graduates a cushion that compounds over time. The program sits at a selective-but-accessible school, suggesting it's a realistic option for strong students who might not be targeting the most elite engineering programs.

For parents weighing cost against outcomes, this is straightforward: high starting salaries, reasonable debt, and placement that outperforms three-quarters of chemical engineering programs nationally. The value proposition works whether your student stays in Delaware's industrial corridor or relocates to a major chemical or pharmaceutical hub.