Analysis
UVA chemical engineering graduates start at $86K—well above the national median but actually below Virginia Tech's program, ranking in just the 60th percentile statewide. That might surprise parents given UVA's prestige, but the gap narrows when you consider the full picture: UVA grads carry $17,733 in debt versus the state median of $25,350, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 that beats most engineering programs nationally.
The modest 9% earnings growth to $94K by year four is typical for chemical engineering, where strong starting salaries often flatten early in careers. What matters more here is the combination of solid pay and unusually low debt burden—graduates can pay off loans quickly while still earning above the national benchmark of $73K. Among just five Virginia schools offering this major, UVA sits in the middle for earnings but leads decisively on affordability.
For families weighing UVA against Virginia Tech, the decision comes down to $8K more per year at UVA versus potentially $7,600 less in total debt. That's a reasonable trade-off, especially since both programs place graduates well above national standards. The real win is that UVA's selectivity hasn't inflated debt levels the way it has at some elite schools—your child leaves with engineer-level earnings and manageable loans.
Where University of Virginia-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Virginia-Main Campus 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 Virginia-Main Campus | $85,772 | $93,745 | +9% |
| Rice University | $87,830 | $108,850 | +24% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $81,553 | $108,067 | +33% |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $82,382 | $89,909 | +9% |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | $79,721 | $83,657 | +5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville | $20,986 | $85,772 | $93,745 | $17,733 | 0.21 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $82,382 | $89,909 | $25,350 | 0.31 |
 Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond | $16,458 | $79,721 | $83,657 | $27,000 | 0.34 |
| 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 Virginia-Main Campus, approximately 14% 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 42 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.