Chemical Engineering at University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota's chemical engineering program produces graduates who enter the field at $73,112—right at the national median—but with unusually manageable debt. At just $26,950, graduates carry roughly half the student loan burden typical of engineering programs, placing this among the lowest-debt options in the country (7th percentile nationally). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans within months rather than years, giving them financial flexibility that peers at pricier programs won't have.

The earnings trajectory looks solid too: graduates see 21% income growth by year four, reaching $88,123. This steady progression suggests the program equips students with skills that translate into career advancement. While UND is the only North Dakota school offering this degree—making state comparisons moot—the program holds its own against chemical engineering programs nationwide, landing at the median for earnings despite serving a largely in-state student body at an accessible admission rate.

For families weighing the return on investment, this is straightforward: your child gets accredited chemical engineering training without the crushing debt load that often accompanies technical degrees. The combination of solid starting salaries and minimal borrowing means financial independence comes faster, which matters whether they're planning graduate school, homeownership, or simply building savings early in their career.