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Chemical Engineering at Lafayette College

Easton, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
61
Optimistic
60
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $79,602/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #138 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 $918K $876K $754K
Earnings Multiple 3.7x 3.5x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 60 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$250,296
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$129,984
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,000
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$97,678
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $79,602 at Lafayette College come in 10% above the national median of $72,288 for Chemical Engineering programs.

At 3.5x 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 $79,602 far exceeding the $17,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #138 ranking among 158 Chemical Engineering programs places Lafayette College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 23% earnings increase from $79,602 to $97,678 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Lafayette College

Lafayette College accepts 31% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a smaller student body of 2,746 in Easton, PA. The average net cost of $129,984 over four years represents a 48% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Lafayette College →

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 Lafayette College

Engineering, General ($76,507) Mechanical Engineering ($72,481) Civil Engineering ($70,391) Economics ($68,164) International Relations and National Security Studies ($58,433) Political Science and Government ($48,112) Sociology and Anthropology ($43,321) Biology, General ($41,885)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemical Engineering at Lafayette College?
At 60/100, 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 Lafayette College?
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 →