Analysis
University of Louisville's chemical engineering program starts graduates at $70,675—slightly behind the national median but notably ahead of Kentucky's typical outcomes, landing in the 60th percentile statewide. More impressive is what happens next: earnings jump 29% to reach $90,870 by year four, well outpacing the trajectory at competitor University of Kentucky, where graduates start below $66,000. This upward momentum suggests the program's industry connections or curriculum translates into better career advancement than raw starting salaries would indicate.
The $21,500 in median debt is reasonable for an engineering degree, coming in below both national and state averages despite being at the 66th percentile mark (meaning 34% of programs carry even less debt). The 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly 3.6 months of their first-year salary—manageable territory for a field with strong earning potential. As the only real alternative in Kentucky, U of L appears to offer the stronger long-term investment within the state.
For families prioritizing career growth over prestige, this program delivers. While it won't match the immediate earning power of elite chemical engineering schools, graduates who stick with their careers see meaningful salary progression. The moderate sample size and 81% admission rate make this an accessible engineering pathway that pays off within the first presidential term after graduation.
Where University of Louisville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Louisville 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 Louisville | $70,675 | $90,870 | +29% |
| Rice University | $87,830 | $108,850 | +24% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $81,553 | $108,067 | +33% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $81,721 | $107,816 | +32% |
| University of Kentucky | $65,389 | $74,477 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of LouisvilleLouisville | $12,828 | $70,675 | $90,870 | $21,500 | 0.30 |
 University of KentuckyLexington | $13,212 | $65,389 | $74,477 | $25,308 | 0.39 |
| 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 Louisville, approximately 29% 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 46 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.