Compare 6 Chemical Engineering. programs in Michigan. Average earnings: $85,652.
The highest-earning Chemical Engineering program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $16K earnings gap across 6 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Chemical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $92,027, followed closely by Wayne State University at $89,339. The average across all programs is $85,652, but what's striking is how Wayne State—with an 82% acceptance rate—nearly matches Michigan's outcomes while being far more accessible.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Michigan graduates borrow $19,500 and face just a 3.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, Wayne State leads with an 8.2% family burden, proving the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $92,027
Strong outcomes ($89,339) with 82% acceptance
3.8% payment burden | Excellent
8.2% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $92,027 | 113 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good | |
| #2 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | $89,339 | 37 | $21,250 | Excellent | $16,378 | Good |
| #3 | $87,528 | 123 | $23,250 | Excellent | $37,401 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $86,338 | 90 | $24,990 | Excellent | $29,300 | Manageable | |
| #5 | Kettering UniversityPrivate | $83,177 | 27 | $27,000 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable |
| #6 | $75,501 | 66 | $26,188 | Excellent | $22,488 | 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 →
