Compare 39 Chemical Engineering. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $85,112.
Chemical Engineering programs produce graduates earning between $85,260 and $100,444—a $15K spread that demonstrates how program quality varies independently of school prestige. Across 39 ranked programs in the Midwest, outcomes track program-level factors rather than institutional reputation alone.
Northwestern University's Chemical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $100,444, followed closely by Kansas State University at $97,457 and University of Notre Dame at $96,794. The tight clustering around the $85,112 average shows consistently strong outcomes, with regional publics like Kansas State competing directly with prestigious privates.
High earnings meet excellent affordability across top programs. Northwestern graduates borrow $15,000 and face just a 2.6% payment burden, earning an 'Excellent' rating. Kansas State delivers similar value with a 3.9% burden, while University of North Dakota leads for families with an 8.0% combined burden—proof that strong programs can be financially smart.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $100,444 | 42 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Good |
| #2 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $97,457 | 70 | $21,250 | Excellent | $27,283 | Good |
| #3 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $96,794 | 84 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Manageable |
| #4 | $93,416 | 143 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Good | |
| #5 | $92,896 | 42 | $17,500 | Excellent | $24,585 | Good | |
| #6 | $92,813 | 113 | $20,484 | Excellent | $28,364 | Good | |
| #7 | $92,027 | 113 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good | |
| #8 | University Of DaytonPrivate | $90,775 | 60 | $23,250 | Excellent | $43,810 | Manageable |
| #9 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | $89,339 | 37 | $21,250 | Excellent | $16,378 | Good |
| #10 | $89,329 | 46 | $25,000 | Excellent | $71,022 | Challenging | |
| #11 | $88,515 | 110 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,729 | Good | |
| #12 | Miami University-OxfordPublic | $88,171 | 38 | $23,000 | Excellent | $34,512 | Manageable |
| #13 | $88,132 | 183 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Good | |
| #14 | $88,123 | 39 | $22,057 | Excellent | $14,269 | Good | |
| #15 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $87,688 | 128 | $22,869 | Excellent | $25,950 | Good |
| #16 | $87,528 | 123 | $23,250 | Excellent | $37,401 | Manageable | |
| #17 | $86,454 | 42 | $25,000 | Excellent | $36,438 | Manageable | |
| #18 | $86,338 | 90 | $24,990 | Excellent | $29,300 | Manageable | |
| #19 | $85,468 | 51 | $20,500 | Excellent | $32,529 | Manageable | |
| #20 | $85,260 | 161 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Good | |
| #21 | $85,206 | 101 | $23,250 | Excellent | $30,462 | Manageable | |
| #22 | $84,847 | 43 | $21,056 | Excellent | $23,508 | Good | |
| #23 | $84,047 | 14 | $21,503 | Excellent | $14,012 | Good | |
| #24 | University Of ToledoPublic | $84,004 | 62 | $22,250 | Excellent | $19,243 | Good |
| #25 | Trine UniversityPrivate | $83,801 | 16 | $25,000 | Excellent | $32,897 | 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 →
