Chemical Engineering at University of Louisville

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.