Best institutions to study Paper Science and Engineering
Compare 3 U.S. colleges offering Paper Science and Engineering by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 3 states.
Paper Science and Engineering programs report a median of $86,401 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 14.40 and the Chemical Engineers occupation (BLS SOC).
About Paper Science and Engineering programs
The Paper Science and Engineering program focuses on the principles and practices involved in the production and processing of paper and related materials. This program is designed for students interested in engineering applications within the paper industry, combining elements of chemistry, physics, and design to create innovative solutions in manufacturing processes.
Students in this program will develop essential skills in science, critical thinking, and mathematics. Coursework typically includes topics in engineering technology, chemistry, and production processes, equipping students with the knowledge needed to optimize performance and ensure safety in paper manufacturing.
Top 1 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $86,401 | 11 | 58% | — | $27,379 |
Offered across 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michiganlimited | 1 | $86,401 | Western Michigan University |
| New Yorklimited | 1 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2041, Chemical Engineers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Paper Science and Engineering program can expect a career outlook that is about as fast as average, with an estimated growth rate of 2.6%. There are approximately 1,100 annual openings in the field, with a median wage of $121,860. A typical entry-level requirement is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Paper Science and Engineering
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 14.40.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 14.40 (Paper Science 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 Engineersprimary |
| 17-2199 | Engineers, All Other |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Paper Science 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
- 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.
Concentrations within Paper Science and Engineering
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Paper Science and EngineeringCIP 14.4001
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and manufacturing of pulp and paper products
Common questions
What is the focus of the Paper Science and Engineering program?+
The program focuses on the production and processing of paper and related materials using engineering principles.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in science, critical thinking, mathematics, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 2.6% and around 1,100 annual openings.
What is the typical salary for someone in this field?+
The median wage for professionals in Paper Science and Engineering is $121,860.
How much do Paper Science and Engineering graduates earn?+
Paper Science and Engineering graduates report median earnings of $86,401 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Chemical Engineers occupation pays about $129,980 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Paper Science and Engineering?+
Paper Science and Engineering maps to CIP 14.40 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