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Chemical Engineering at Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $82,435/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #127 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 $1,016K $965K $820K
Earnings Multiple 4.1x 3.9x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$248,720
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$134,196
46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$107,647
31% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Lehigh University's Chemical Engineering graduates start at $82,435/yr — above the $72,288 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 3.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,000 in median debt clears quickly against $82,435 in annual earnings.

A #127 ranking among 158 Chemical Engineering programs places Lehigh University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 31% earnings increase from $82,435 to $107,647 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Lehigh University

Admission to Lehigh University is competitive, with 29% of applicants accepted, with a mid-sized student body of 5,803 in Bethlehem, PA. The average net cost of $134,196 over four years represents a 46% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Lehigh 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 Lehigh University

Computer Science ($88,587) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($83,356) Computer Engineering ($82,209) Business/Managerial Economics ($81,796) Industrial Engineering ($81,142) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($79,119) Accounting and Related Services ($77,026) Finance and Financial Management Services ($76,720)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemical Engineering at Lehigh University?
At 62/100, 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 Lehigh 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 →