Compare 39 Chemical Engineering. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $95,294.
Chemical Engineering programs across the Midwest produce graduates earning between $94,478 and $113,614—a nearly $19K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 39 ranked programs, outcomes track program quality, not institutional reputation. The average of $95,294 masks wide variation that only program-level data can reveal.
Topping the list, the University of Notre Dame's Chemical Engineering program delivers $113,614 in median earnings—well above the $95,294 regional average. But the more telling story is how closely public programs compete: the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (#3) reaches $109,405, and Purdue University (#5) hits $104,514, both outpacing most private alternatives on a program-for-program basis.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Northwestern University graduates borrow just $15,000 in student loans and face a 2.3% payment burden, earning an 'Excellent' GPS affordability rating. For families weighing parent loans, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point stands out: combined family debt of $35,515 produces just a 6.6% family burden—also 'Excellent'—proving strong outcomes don't require heavy borrowing. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $113,614
Strong outcomes ($103,868) with 79% acceptance rate
2.3% payment burden | Excellent
6.6% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $113,614 | 78 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Good |
| #2 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $111,040 | 34 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Excellent |
| #3 | $109,405 | 73 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good | |
| #4 | $107,843 | 30 | $17,500 | Excellent | $24,585 | Excellent | |
| #5 | $104,514 | 164 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Good | |
| #6 | $104,317 | 155 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Good | |
| #7 | Kettering UniversityPrivate | $103,868 | 24 | $27,000 | Excellent | $35,000 | Good |
| #8 | $102,223 | 102 | $23,250 | Excellent | $37,401 | Good | |
| #9 | $101,676 | 103 | $20,484 | Excellent | $28,364 | Good | |
| #10 | $100,375 | 18 | $21,503 | Excellent | $14,012 | Excellent | |
| #11 | $98,851 | 186 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Good | |
| #12 | $98,341 | 43 | $25,000 | Excellent | $71,022 | Challenging | |
| #13 | University Of IowaPublic | $97,329 | 40 | $22,500 | Excellent | $27,975 | Good |
| #14 | $97,220 | 124 | $21,250 | Excellent | $23,602 | Good | |
| #15 | University Of DaytonPrivate | $97,184 | 46 | $23,250 | Excellent | $43,810 | Manageable |
| #16 | $96,533 | 46 | $24,000 | Excellent | $31,458 | Good | |
| #17 | Miami University-OxfordPublic | $96,025 | 30 | $23,000 | Excellent | $34,512 | Good |
| #18 | $95,989 | 39 | $20,500 | Excellent | $32,529 | Good | |
| #19 | $94,686 | 86 | $23,250 | Excellent | $30,462 | Good | |
| #20 | $94,478 | 88 | $24,990 | Excellent | $29,300 | Good | |
| #21 | University Of ToledoPublic | $94,065 | 43 | $22,250 | Excellent | $19,243 | Good |
| #22 | University Of KansasPublic | $93,391 | 62 | $21,000 | Excellent | $32,347 | Good |
| #23 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | $93,047 | 23 | $21,250 | Excellent | $16,378 | Excellent |
| #24 | $92,946 | 86 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,729 | Good | |
| #25 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $92,773 | 123 | $22,869 | Excellent | $25,950 | 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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
