Best Polymer/Plastics Engineering institutions in the US, ranked by earnings
Compare 14 U.S. colleges offering Polymer/Plastics Engineering by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 8 states.
About Polymer/Plastics Engineering programs
The Polymer/Plastics Engineering program focuses on the design, analysis, and modification of polymer materials. It encompasses various aspects of the petrochemical industry, including polymerization, the structure and characterization of polymers, and their properties and applications. This program is ideal for students interested in engineering solutions that involve plastics and other polymer materials.
Students in this program will gain essential skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and mathematics, alongside knowledge in engineering technology, chemistry, and physics. Coursework typically includes the study of polymer processing, material performance evaluation, and product design objectives.
Top 4 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 | University of Massachusetts - Lowell Lowell, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $77,114 | 69 | 65% | — | $27,000 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin - Stout Menomonie, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $75,800 | 9 | 55% | — | $23,850 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $71,651 | 12 | 53% | — | $27,875 |
| 4 | Western Washington University Bellingham, WA Public · Bachelor's degree | $60,375 | 17 | 65% | — | $21,656 |
Offered across 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusettslimited | 2 | $77,114 | University of Massachusetts - Lowell |
| Wisconsinlimited | 2 | $75,800 | University of Wisconsin - Stout |
| Pennsylvania | 4 | $71,651 | Pennsylvania College of Technology |
| Washingtonlimited | 1 | $60,375 | Western Washington University |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Mississippilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 2 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-2131, Materials Engineers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Polymer/Plastics Engineering program can expect a favorable job outlook, with a projected growth rate of 5.7% and approximately 1,500 annual job openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is around $108,310, and a typical education requirement is a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Polymer/Plastics 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.
Tools & technology
Concentrations within Polymer/Plastics Engineering
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Polymer/Plastics EngineeringCIP 14.3201
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of synthesized macromolecular compounds and their application
Common questions
What is Polymer/Plastics Engineering?+
It is an engineering field focused on designing, analyzing, and modifying polymer materials.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, and active learning, among others.
What are the career prospects after graduation?+
The job outlook is strong, with a growth rate of 5.7% and around 1,500 annual openings.
What is the typical salary for graduates?+
The median wage for professionals in this field is approximately $108,310.
Related programs
Other programs in the same field of study.
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