Chemical Engineering at University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $60,528/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #151 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 $657K $641K $581K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.0x 13.6x 12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.7x 6.5x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,080
Out-of-state: $98,648 (6.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,520
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $60,528 per year, Chemical Engineering graduates from University of Alabama in Huntsville earn below the $72,288 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Chemical Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Chemical Engineering's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $26,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #151 of 158 Chemical Engineering programs, University of Alabama in Huntsville falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Alabama in Huntsville

With 74% of applicants admitted, University of Alabama in Huntsville prioritizes broad access, serving 6,650 students in Huntsville, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Alabama in Huntsville →

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

Chemical Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Alabama in Huntsville

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemical Engineering at University of Alabama in Huntsville?
This program scores 55/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Chemical Engineering programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Chemical Engineering careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $581,215 in decade earnings vs $657,080 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Chemical Engineering from University of Alabama in Huntsville?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →