Chemical Engineering at University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
67
Pessimistic
Earnings $63,870/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 17.3x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #86 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 $842K $808K $704K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.0x 17.3x 15.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 6.9x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,800
Out-of-state: $117,648 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,460
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,557
36% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $63,870/yr, Chemical Engineering graduates from University of Kansas land near the $72,288 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 17.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Chemical Engineering programs nationally.

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 16% gap from the optimistic case.

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.

Ranked #86 of 158 Chemical Engineering programs, University of Kansas falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $63,870 to $86,557 over five years — a 36% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Kansas

With 88% of applicants admitted, University of Kansas prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 19,857 in Lawrence, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kansas →

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 University of Kansas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemical Engineering at University of Kansas?
This program scores 69/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Chemical Engineering programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $704,182 in decade earnings vs $842,355 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →