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Chemical Engineering at Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $75,887/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #141 of 158 Chemical Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Chemical Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $900K $860K $743K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.7x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$231,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,820
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$95,129
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $75,887/yr, roughly in line with the $72,288 national median for Chemical Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 3.7x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $75,887 far exceeding the $27,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #141 ranking among 158 Chemical Engineering programs places Clarkson University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 25% earnings increase from $75,887 to $95,129 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Clarkson University

Clarkson University accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 2,449 students in Potsdam, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,820 over four years — 45% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Clarkson University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Chemical engineers $121,860/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 158 schools offering Chemical Engineering →

Chemical Engineering at Other Schools

Rice University ($87,830) The University of Texas at Austin ($87,365) Lamar University ($87,284) University of Florida ($87,164) Texas A & M University-College Station ($86,176) University of Wisconsin-Madison ($85,945) Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($85,847) University of Virginia-Main Campus ($85,772)

Other Majors at Clarkson University

Computer Engineering ($80,942) Computer Science ($79,744) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,940) Engineering-Related Fields ($74,407) Mechanical Engineering ($73,168) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($71,783) Civil Engineering ($70,136) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($67,308)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemical Engineering at Clarkson University?
At 59/100, the score looks reasonable — but Chemical Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemical Engineering at Clarkson University?
The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →