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Chemical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
57
Optimistic
55
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $51,267/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 4.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #152 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 $1,250K $1,176K $975K
Earnings Multiple 4.9x 4.6x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 55 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$253,360
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,644
71% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,559
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$111,011
117% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $51,267/yr fall 29% below the $72,288 national median for Chemical Engineering. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 4.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 22% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $14,559 in median debt against $51,267 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #152 out of 158 programs, Johns Hopkins University's financial outcomes for Chemical Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $51,267 to $111,011 over five years (117% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University admits 8% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving 5,617 students in Baltimore, MD. The average net cost of $72,644 over four years represents a 71% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Johns Hopkins 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

Compare this program → View all 158 schools offering Chemical Engineering →

Chemical Engineering at Other Schools

Rice University ($87,830) The University of Texas at Austin ($87,365) Lamar University ($87,284) University of Florida ($87,164) Texas A & M University-College Station ($86,176) University of Wisconsin-Madison ($85,945) Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($85,847) University of Virginia-Main Campus ($85,772)

Other Majors at Johns Hopkins University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($109,514) Mathematics ($83,171) Economics ($78,181) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($76,928) Research and Experimental Psychology ($49,035) International Relations and National Security Studies ($44,004) Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies ($43,524) Cognitive Science ($42,602)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Johns Hopkins University's Chemical Engineering program score?
A score of 55/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Johns Hopkins 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.
Why are Chemical Engineering earnings lower at Johns Hopkins University?
Lower starting pay at Johns Hopkins University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Chemical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $253,360, but the average net cost is $72,644 — a 71% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →