Analysis
University of Iowa's chemical engineering program offers a textbook case of solid fundamentals with minimal debt burden. Starting at $75,340, graduates earn just above the national median—landing in the 60th percentile nationally—while carrying only $27,000 in debt. That 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly four months of salary, compared to a national program median of $23,250. The debt ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, indicating this is among the lowest-debt engineering options available.
The state comparison reveals an interesting dynamic: while Iowa has only three chemical engineering programs, Iowa State edges out UI slightly with $76,184 in starting earnings versus Iowa's $75,340. That puts UI at the 40th percentile within Iowa, though the practical difference amounts to less than $1,000 annually. Both programs deliver competitive earnings with manageable debt loads, so the choice between them likely comes down to fit and location rather than financial outcomes.
The 6% earnings growth to nearly $80,000 by year four suggests steady career progression, and the combination of low debt with above-average starting pay creates financial flexibility from day one. For families weighing options, this program delivers what you'd hope for: graduates enter a well-paying field without shouldering outsized debt, making it a straightforward choice for students serious about chemical engineering.
Where University of Iowa Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Iowa 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 Iowa | $75,340 | $79,778 | +6% |
| Rice University | $87,830 | $108,850 | +24% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $81,553 | $108,067 | +33% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $81,721 | $107,816 | +32% |
| Iowa State University | $76,184 | $87,688 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of IowaIowa City | $10,964 | $75,340 | $79,778 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 Iowa State UniversityAmes | $10,497 | $76,184 | $87,688 | $20,188 | 0.26 |
| 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 Iowa, approximately 18% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.