Home › Vanderbilt University › Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering at Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
60
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $75,639/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #140 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 $1,020K $968K $822K
Earnings Multiple 4.0x 3.8x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 60 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$255,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,160
70% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$105,943
40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $75,639 track close to the $72,288 national median for Chemical Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 3.8x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #140 ranking among 158 Chemical Engineering programs places Vanderbilt University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 40% earnings increase from $75,639 to $105,943 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University admits 6% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, enrolling 7,143 students in Nashville, TN. The average net cost of $76,160 over four years represents a 70% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Vanderbilt University →

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 Vanderbilt University

Computer Science ($122,244) Mathematics ($103,812) Economics ($84,311) Engineering Science ($81,126) Mechanical Engineering ($78,009) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($63,402) Social Sciences, General ($61,389) Public Policy Analysis ($57,023)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemical Engineering at Vanderbilt University?
At 60/100, the score looks reasonable — but Chemical Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemical Engineering at Vanderbilt University?
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.
What do students actually pay for Chemical Engineering at Vanderbilt University?
The 70% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $255,784. At a net cost of $76,160, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →