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
Earnings Distribution
How University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $77,440 | $93,416 | +21% |
| Rice University | $87,830 | $108,850 | +24% |
| Northwestern University | $80,709 | $100,444 | +24% |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | $64,526 | $86,454 | +34% |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $58,377 | $77,771 | +33% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $77,440 | $93,416 | $22,850 | 0.30 |
 Northwestern UniversityEvanston | $65,997 | $80,709 | $100,444 | $16,500 | 0.20 |
 Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago | $51,763 | $64,526 | $86,454 | $26,747 | 0.41 |
 University of Illinois ChicagoChicago | $14,338 | $58,377 | $77,771 | $23,875 | 0.41 |
| 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 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.