Illinois · Chemical Engineering

Best Chemical Engineering institutions in Illinois, ranked by earnings

Chemical Engineering is a dynamic field of engineering focused on the design and operation of chemical plants and the optimization of production processes. This program is ideal for students interested in applying principles from…

Institutions
5
offering CIP 14.07
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
433
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$64,526
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
4
College Scorecard
Median net price
$14,799
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
83%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Chemical Engineers
$120,970
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 4 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Northwestern University
Evanston Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$80,7096595%$14,799$16,500
2University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Champaign Public · Bachelor's degree
$77,44017785%$22,850
3Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$64,5263775%$19,899$26,747
4University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago Public · Bachelor's degree
$58,3775962%$23,875

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Chemical Engineers (SOC 17-2041).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+2.6%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~1,100
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$121,860
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

ScienceCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive LearningMathematicsSpeaking

What Chemical Engineers earn in Illinois

Jobs in Illinois
490
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$120,970
median $120,360
Best-paying metro
$120,380
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Related careers

Chemical Engineers
$120,970 avg · 490 jobs
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
$87,220

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Chemical Engineering programs in Illinois.

Which Chemical Engineering program in Illinois has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Northwestern University tops the list at $80,709. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Chemical Engineers earn in Illinois?+

The average annual wage for Chemical Engineers in Illinois is $120,970 (median $120,360), across about 490 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Chemical Engineering program?+

Chemical Engineering is a dynamic field of engineering focused on the design and operation of chemical plants and the optimization of production processes. This program is ideal for students interested in applying principles from…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop science, critical thinking, reading comprehension, active learning, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Chemical Engineers?+

The national job outlook is about +2.6% growth with around 1,100 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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