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Chemical Engineering at Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
71 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
73
Optimistic
71
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $75,951/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 14.4x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #72 of 158 Chemical Engineering programs Top 50%

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 $939K $895K $768K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.1x 14.4x 12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 5.7x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 71 69

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$62,216
Out-of-state: $157,992 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,448
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$98,731
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $75,951 at Clemson University come in 5% above the national median of $72,288 for Chemical Engineering programs.

With a 14.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $75,951 far exceeding the $20,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #72 ranking among 158 Chemical Engineering programs places Clemson University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 30% earnings increase from $75,951 to $98,731 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Clemson University

Clemson University accepts 38% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 22,778 students enrolled in Clemson, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Clemson 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 Clemson University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,925) Computer Engineering ($77,672) Information Science/Studies ($76,549) Industrial Engineering ($74,709) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($74,206) Construction Management ($73,987) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($73,374) Mechanical Engineering ($73,220)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 71/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemical Engineering at Clemson University?
At 71/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemical Engineering at Clemson 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 →