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Chemical Engineering at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
70
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,359/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 16.6x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #48 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 $1,156K $1,091K $912K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.6x 16.6x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.5x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 70

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,720
Out-of-state: $167,772 (6.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,920
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,650
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$115,257
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Colorado Boulder's Chemical Engineering program produces graduates earning $70,359/yr — within striking distance of the $72,288 national average for this field.

With a 16.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 21% 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 — $23,650 in median debt clears quickly against $70,359 in annual earnings.

A #48 ranking among 158 Chemical Engineering programs places University of Colorado Boulder in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $70,359-to-$115,257 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Colorado Boulder

A 83% acceptance rate means University of Colorado Boulder is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 31,578 students in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

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 University of Colorado Boulder

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($88,957) Computer Engineering ($86,211) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($81,835) Computer Science ($77,385) Civil Engineering ($73,033) Architectural Engineering ($72,567) Biochemical Engineering ($70,668) Mechanical Engineering ($66,089)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 72/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemical Engineering at University of Colorado Boulder?
At 72/100, 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 University of Colorado Boulder?
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 →