Best institutions to study Chemical Engineering
Any instructional program in chemical engineering not listed above.
5 U.S. institutions graduated 34 Chemical Engineering students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 14.0799, a specialization of Chemical Engineering (CIP 14.07), and leads most directly to the Chemical Engineers occupation (BLS SOC 17-2041).
About Chemical Engineering programs
Any instructional program in chemical engineering not listed above.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Chemical Engineering program, categorized under 'Chemical Engineering, Other,' focuses on the principles and applications of chemical processes. This program is designed for students interested in developing solutions for industrial challenges, particularly in the fields of manufacturing and production. It prepares graduates to work in various engineering roles that require a strong foundation in chemistry and engineering principles. Students pursuing this program will engage in a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making it suitable for those who enjoy problem-solving and innovation. With a variety of credentials available, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, the program caters to a diverse range of academic and professional goals.
Core coursework in the Chemical Engineering program emphasizes essential skills such as science, mathematics, and critical thinking. Students gain knowledge in engineering and technology, chemistry, physics, and production processes, equipping them to design, analyze, and optimize chemical processes and equipment.
Credentials awarded
What Chemical Engineering graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree18 graduates / yr · 2 institutions53%
- Bachelor's degree10 graduates / yr · 1 institution29%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship4 graduates / yr · 1 institution12%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate2 graduates / yr · 2 institutions5.9%
Graduates over time
Chemical Engineering completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 23 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2025 | 34 |
Top 5 institutions for Chemical Engineering, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yale University New Haven, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 11 | 96% | $27,025 | — |
| 2 | Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 11 | 94% | $23,803 | — |
| 3 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 10 | 92% | $26,873 | $68,234 |
| 4 | Auburn University Auburn, ALPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 82% | — | $82,217 |
| 5 | University of Connecticut Storrs, CTPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 83% | — | $68,025 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Chemical Engineering field (CIP 14.07) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 4 states
Where Chemical Engineering graduates come from. Each state links to all Chemical Engineering programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 2 | 12 | Yale University11 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 11 | Carnegie Mellon University11 / yr |
| California | 1 | 10 | University of Southern California10 / yr |
| Alabama | 1 | 1 | Auburn University1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2041, Chemical Engineers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Chemical Engineering program can pursue careers as Chemical Engineers, with an average annual wage of $121,860. The job outlook for this field is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 2.6% and approximately 1,100 annual job openings. A bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 14.0799
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Chemical Engineersprimary SOC 17-2041 | $125,040 | +2.6% About as fast as average | ~1,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Architectural and Engineering Managers SOC 11-9041 | $171,270 | +3.8% About as fast as average | ~14,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1032 | $109,270 | +8.1% Much faster than average | ~4,100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Chemical Engineering programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
- Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
- Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
- Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
- Design and plan layout of equipment.
- Prepare estimate of production costs and production progress reports for management.
Tools and technology used
Other Chemical Engineering specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Chemical Engineering (CIP 14.07).
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Chemical Engineering?+
You can earn a bachelor's degree, master's degree, doctoral degree, or a postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in science, mathematics, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What types of jobs can I get with a degree in Chemical Engineering?+
You can work as a Chemical Engineer, Architectural and Engineering Manager, or Engineering Teacher.
What is the job outlook for Chemical Engineers?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 2.6% and 1,100 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Chemical Engineering?+
Chemical Engineering is CIP 14.0799 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Chemical Engineering (CIP 14.07). NCES defines it as: Any instructional program in chemical engineering not listed above.
How many institutions offer Chemical Engineering programs?+
5 U.S. institutions reported Chemical Engineering graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 4 states, awarding 34 credentials in the year. That is 0.3% of all Chemical Engineering graduates.
How much do Chemical Engineering graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Chemical Engineers occupation, which Chemical Engineering most directly leads to, pays a median of $125,040 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Chemical Engineering field report median earnings of $68,234 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
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.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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