Chemical Engineering at University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
75
Optimistic
74
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $73,841/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 23.2x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #29 of 158 Chemical Engineering programs Top 25%

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 $903K $863K $745K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.2x 23.2x 20.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.6x 7.2x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 74 71

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,260
Out-of-state: $119,348 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,688
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$94,911
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $73,841/yr, Chemical Engineering graduates from University of Utah land near the $72,288 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 23.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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.

The median debt load of $19,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

University of Utah ranks #29 among 158 Chemical Engineering programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 29% earnings increase from $73,841 to $94,911 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Utah

With 87% of applicants admitted, University of Utah prioritizes broad access, with 26,041 students enrolled in Salt Lake City, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Utah →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemical Engineering at University of Utah?
At 74/100, 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 Utah?
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.
Is University of Utah one of the best schools for Chemical Engineering?
Among 158 Chemical Engineering programs, University of Utah's #29 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →