Chemical Engineering at Vanderbilt University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Vanderbilt University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Vanderbilt University graduates earn $76k, placing them in the 61th percentile of all chemical engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University | $75,639 | $96,178 | — | — |
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $76,302 | $82,312 | $22,375 | 0.29 |
| Tennessee Technological University | $60,300 | $81,456 | $13,500 | 0.22 |
| The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | $57,952 | $84,045 | — | — |
| National Median | $72,974 | — | $23,250 | 0.32 |
Other Chemical Engineering Programs in Tennessee
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Tennessee schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville | $13,484 | $76,302 | $22,375 |
| Tennessee Technological University Cookeville | $10,084 | $60,300 | $13,500 |
| The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga | $10,144 | $57,952 | — |
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 Vanderbilt University, approximately 19% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.