Chemical Engineering at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

UMass Lowell's chemical engineering program delivers strong absolute outcomes—$77,380 starting and $94,160 four years out—with impressively low debt at $27,000. But Massachusetts context matters here: while this program performs well nationally (68th percentile), it sits in the middle of the pack for the state (40th percentile). That's not a weakness—it reflects how competitive Massachusetts chemical engineering programs are overall. Your child would graduate earning within $4,000 of the state median, ahead of UMass Amherst, and with debt levels that match state norms.

The debt-to-earnings picture is particularly favorable. With a 0.35 ratio, graduates owe about four months of their starting salary—exceptional for engineering. The 22% earnings bump to $94,160 by year four suggests solid career progression. Given the school's 85% acceptance rate and accessible admission standards, this represents strong value: outcomes comparable to more selective programs without the admissions hurdle.

For families seeking chemical engineering training in Massachusetts without stretching for highly selective schools, this program hits the mark. Your child gets credentialed engineering earnings with manageable debt, leaving financial flexibility for graduate school or early career moves.