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Chemical Engineering at Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $81,880/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #129 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 $986K $938K $799K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.7x 3.2x
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)
$252,564
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,464
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,623
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$104,660
28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $81,880/yr, edging above the $72,288 national average for Chemical Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 3.7x 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.

At $26,623 in median debt against $81,880 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #129 ranking among 158 Chemical Engineering programs places Northeastern University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 28% earnings increase from $81,880 to $104,660 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Northeastern University

Northeastern University admits 6% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with a mid-sized student body of 15,719 in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $128,464 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern 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 Northeastern University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($115,587) Computer Engineering ($99,499) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($92,222) International Business ($80,848) Mechanical Engineering ($80,255) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($78,713) Industrial Engineering ($77,066) Mathematics ($76,392)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemical Engineering at Northeastern 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 Northeastern 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 →