Chemical Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UIUC's chemical engineering program produces graduates who consistently out-earn their peers, starting at $77,440 and climbing to over $93,000 within four years. That 21% earnings growth trajectory is particularly strong, and while the program ranks in the 69th percentile nationally, it's worth noting that chemical engineering is an intensely competitive field where even average performers earn solid salaries—so being in the top third is meaningful.
The debt picture looks reasonable at first glance: $22,850 represents just 30% of first-year earnings, well within the manageable range. However, among Illinois chemical engineering programs, UIUC sits in the middle of the pack (60th percentile), trailing Northwestern by about $3,000 but significantly ahead of UIC and IIT. Given that UIUC charges lower in-state tuition than Northwestern while delivering comparable outcomes, it represents strong value for Illinois residents.
The real question is whether your child can handle the rigor—that 1418 average SAT isn't arbitrary, and chemical engineering is notoriously demanding. But for students who can thrive in this environment, the program delivers what parents want: solid starting salaries, strong earnings growth, and manageable debt. The robust sample size means these numbers are reliable, not outliers.
Where University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $77k, placing them in the 69th percentile of all chemical engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $77,440 | $93,416 | $22,850 | 0.30 |
| Northwestern University | $80,709 | $100,444 | $16,500 | 0.20 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | $64,526 | $86,454 | $26,747 | 0.41 |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $58,377 | $77,771 | $23,875 | 0.41 |
| National Median | $72,974 | — | $23,250 | 0.32 |
Other Chemical Engineering Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University Evanston | $65,997 | $80,709 | $16,500 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago | $51,763 | $64,526 | $26,747 |
| University of Illinois Chicago Chicago | $14,338 | $58,377 | $23,875 |
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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, approximately 24% 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 110 graduates with reported earnings and 107 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.