Compare 8 Chemical Engineering. programs in Texas. Average earnings: $96,377.
Chemical Engineering programs in Texas produce graduates earning between $86,698 and $108,850—a $22K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 8 ranked programs, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Rice University's Chemical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $108,850, but the real story is how closely regional programs compete. Lamar University follows at $107,127, while Texas A&M delivers $105,292. The $22K range shows program-level factors drive outcomes more than school brands.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Rice graduates borrow $11,000 and face just a 1.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Lamar offers even better family value with a 5.6% total burden, proving the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rice UniversityPrivate | $108,850 | 36 | $11,000 | Excellent | $35,338 | Good |
| #2 | Lamar UniversityPublic | $107,127 | 47 | $21,250 | Excellent | $11,359 | Excellent |
| #3 | $105,292 | 221 | $17,804 | Excellent | $32,258 | Good | |
| #4 | $95,916 | 180 | $20,500 | Excellent | $26,632 | Good | |
| #5 | Texas Tech UniversityPublic | $92,466 | 98 | $21,500 | Excellent | $23,443 | Good |
| #6 | University Of HoustonPublic | $87,883 | 81 | $18,194 | Excellent | $18,072 | Good |
| #7 | $86,785 | 58 | $27,000 | Excellent | $16,012 | Good | |
| #8 | $86,698 | 68 | $22,934 | Excellent | $14,224 | Good |
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 →