Best colleges for Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
Ranked by graduate earnings
Compare 4 U.S. colleges offering Ceramic Sciences and Engineering by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 4 states.
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $71,644 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 14.06 and the Materials Engineers occupation (BLS SOC).
About Ceramic Sciences and Engineering programs
The Ceramic Sciences and Engineering program focuses on the science of creating objects from inorganic, non-metallic materials. Students will explore the processes involved in purifying raw materials, producing chemical compounds, and studying their structure and properties. This program is ideal for individuals interested in engineering and materials science, as it combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications in the field of ceramics.
Core coursework in this program includes subjects such as engineering and technology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Students will develop essential skills like critical thinking, active learning, and effective communication, which are crucial for success in the field.
Top 3 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $69,162 | 29 | 84% | — | $23,375 |
| 2 | Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $77,305 | 11 | 64% | — | $22,655 |
| 3 | Alfred University Alfred, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $71,644 | 10 | 57% | $22,481 | $27,000 |
Specializations within Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 14.06 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 4 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missourilimited | 1 | $77,305 | Missouri University of Science and Technology |
| New Yorklimited | 1 | $71,644 | Alfred University |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | $69,162 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2131, Materials Engineers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Ceramic Sciences and Engineering program can expect a positive job outlook, with a projected growth rate of 5.7% and approximately 1,500 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $108,310, with most positions requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 14.06.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 14.06 (Ceramic Sciences and Engineering) maps to 4 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers |
| 17-2041 | Chemical Engineers |
| 17-2131 | Materials Engineersprimary |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Ceramic Sciences and Engineering programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
- Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
Common questions
What is Ceramic Sciences and Engineering?+
It is the study of creating objects from inorganic, non-metallic materials, focusing on their properties, production, and applications.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, science, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with a projected growth rate of 5.7% and about 1,500 annual job openings.
What is the typical salary for professionals in this field?+
The median wage for ceramic sciences and engineering professionals is $108,310.
How much do Ceramic Sciences and Engineering graduates earn?+
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $71,644, College Scorecard (2019); the Materials Engineers occupation pays about $120,250 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Ceramic Sciences and Engineering?+
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering maps to CIP 14.06 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card