Chemical Engineering at Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,528/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #134 of 158 Chemical Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Chemical Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $984K $936K $798K
Earnings Multiple 4.1x 3.9x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$242,652
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$153,712
37% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,833
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$103,291
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $77,528 per year, Chemical Engineering graduates from Drexel University earn slightly above the $72,288 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 3.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $29,833 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #134 ranking among 158 Chemical Engineering programs places Drexel University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 33% earnings increase from $77,528 to $103,291 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Drexel University

With 78% of applicants admitted, Drexel University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 13,509 students in Philadelphia, PA. The average net cost of $153,712 over four years represents a 37% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Drexel University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Chemical engineers $121,860/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Chemical Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Drexel University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemical Engineering at Drexel University?
At 61/100, the score looks reasonable — but Chemical Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemical Engineering at Drexel University?
The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →