Chemical Engineering at University of Iowa
Bachelor's Degree
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
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 Iowa graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Iowa graduates earn $75k, placing them in the 60th 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 Iowa
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa | $75,340 | $79,778 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
| Iowa State University | $76,184 | $87,688 | $20,188 | 0.26 |
| National Median | $72,974 | — | $23,250 | 0.32 |
Other Chemical Engineering Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University Ames | $10,497 | $76,184 | $20,188 |
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.