Chemical Engineering at Kettering University

Flint, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,411/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 4.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #156 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 $759K $733K $649K
Earnings Multiple 4.1x 4.0x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$185,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$132,368
29% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,000
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $71,411/yr, Chemical Engineering graduates from Kettering University land near the $72,288 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 4.0x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Chemical Engineering's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 15% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $29,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #156 of 158 Chemical Engineering programs, Kettering University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Kettering University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Kettering University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,279 students in Flint, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Kettering 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemical Engineering at Kettering University?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Chemical Engineering. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Chemical Engineering careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $648,867 in decade earnings vs $759,010 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →