Compare 5 Chemical Engineering. programs in Alabama. Average earnings: $81,713.
The highest-earning Chemical Engineering program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $33K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Auburn University's Chemical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $93,708, well above the state average of $81,713. University of South Alabama follows at $88,406 with a smaller cohort of 31 students, while The University of Alabama delivers $86,590 despite having the largest program at 199 graduates.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Auburn graduates borrow $21,000 and face just a 4.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families including parent loans, University of South Alabama leads with an 11.6% burden rating 'Good'—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $93,708 | 136 | $21,000 | Excellent | $43,605 | Manageable |
| #2 | $88,406 | 31 | $24,929 | Excellent | $26,683 | Good | |
| #3 | $86,590 | 199 | $22,750 | Excellent | $48,666 | Manageable | |
| #4 | Tuskegee UniversityPrivate | $79,332 | 13 | $27,000 | Excellent | $53,000 | Challenging |
| #5 | $60,528 | 53 | $20,705 | Excellent | $20,297 | Manageable |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
