Program Analysis
At $85,945 per year, Chemical Engineering graduates from University of Wisconsin-Madison earn slightly above the $72,288 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
With a 20.2x 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 $21,638 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
At #16 of 158 programs, this Chemical Engineering program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.
The limited growth from $85,945 to $102,023 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.