Chemical Engineeringat Cornell University
Graduates earn $85,578/yr in their first year — about 18.0% above the national Chemical Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,065K; scenarios range from $893K to $1,126K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Cornell University
A Cornell Chemical Engineering degree signals exceptional rigor and opens doors to a vast network of opportunities. The program's robust curriculum and strong research focus prepare graduates for leading roles in diverse industries, from pharmaceuticals and consumer goods to energy and advanced materials. Major players like Procter & Gamble, Merck, and ExxonMobil actively recruit from Cornell, recognizing the caliber of its engineers.
The strong earning potential reflects this demand and the complex problem-solving skills you'll develop, often leading to careers in process design, R&D, and eventually management. However, the identified AI risk is a critical consideration. Chemical engineering is ripe for automation and AI integration in process optimization and materials discovery. To thrive, you'll need to embrace continuous learning and interdisciplinary skills. Consider actively pursuing electives or research opportunities that integrate data science, machine learning, or advanced automation to future-proof your career path.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Cornell University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Chemical Engineering
How Cornell University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Cornell University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Cornell University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Chemical Engineering at Cornell University
How does Cornell University's Chemical Engineering program score?
A score of 63/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Cornell University trails the majority of Chemical Engineering programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Chemical Engineering to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Chemical Engineering careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Chemical Engineering at Cornell University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $264,056, but the average net cost is $129,348 — a 51% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.