Chemical Engineering at University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
75 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
76
Optimistic
75
Base Case
72
Pessimistic
Earnings $75,102/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 23.7x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 158 Chemical Engineering programs Top 10%

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 $972K $925K $790K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.9x 23.7x 20.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.4x 8.0x 6.9x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 76 75 72

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,992
Out-of-state: $115,088 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,100
-80% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$101,541
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $75,102/yr, Chemical Engineering graduates from University of Arkansas land near the $72,288 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 23.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $20,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #10 of 158 programs, this Chemical Engineering program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 35% earnings increase from $75,102 to $101,541 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Arkansas

With 72% of applicants admitted, University of Arkansas prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 27,312 students in Fayetteville, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arkansas →

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 does a 75/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemical Engineering at University of Arkansas?
At 75/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemical Engineering at University of Arkansas?
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 →