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Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,801/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (30,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #158 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 $744K $719K $639K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 82% 74% 54%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$251,928
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,468
65% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$92,896
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $69,801/yr, roughly in line with the $72,288 national median for Chemical Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 2.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

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

About Washington University in St Louis

Washington University in St Louis's 12% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, enrolling 7,897 students in Saint Louis, MO. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $88,468 — 65% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington University in St Louis →

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 Washington University in St Louis

Computer Science ($110,302) Business/Managerial Economics ($106,701) Finance and Financial Management Services ($102,814) Systems Engineering ($83,874) Mathematics ($79,799) Mechanical Engineering ($72,057) Marketing ($70,819) Economics ($66,325)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St Louis?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Chemical Engineering programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St Louis?
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.
What do students actually pay for Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St Louis?
The 65% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $251,928. At a net cost of $88,468, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →