Polymer Engineering at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Polymer/Plastics Engineering
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $60,375/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (21,200 openings/yr)
ROI 16.9x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 4 Polymer/Plastics Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Polymer Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $639K $626K $569K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.2x 16.9x 15.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.6x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 67% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,144
Out-of-state: $111,412 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,720
-101% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,743
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $60,375 per year, Polymer Engineering graduates from Western Washington University earn below the $71,235 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 16.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Polymer Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $19,743 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Polymer Engineering is offered at just 4 schools in our analysis. Western Washington University's #3 ranking should be read in that context.

About Western Washington University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Western Washington University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 13,574 students in Bellingham, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Chemical engineers $121,860/yr
Materials engineers $108,310/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Polymer Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Washington University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Polymer Engineering at Western Washington University?
At 55/100, the score looks reasonable — but Polymer 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 Polymer Engineering at Western Washington University?
The 47% 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.
Is Western Washington University a good choice for Polymer Engineering despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Western Washington University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →