Program Analysis
Graduates earn $80,139/yr, edging above the $72,288 national average for Chemical Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
The 4.8x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.
AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 22% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
At $17,000 in median debt against $80,139 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
At #116 out of 158 programs, Massachusetts Institute of Technology's financial outcomes for Chemical Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $80,139 to $124,650 over five years (56% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.