Best Value Chemical Engineering Colleges in Texas

Texas A&M University-Kingsville delivers Chemical Engineering at just $10,204 net cost, making it the state's most affordable option despite earning graduates $47,260 annually. This contrasts sharply with Rice University, where students pay $12,640 but command $83,915 starting salaries. Texas hosts major chemical companies like ExxonMobil and Dow Chemical, creating strong demand for engineering talent across the Gulf Coast petrochemical corridor. The state's 10 programs span net costs from $10,204 to $20,924, with earnings ranging from $47,260 to $83,915.

Programs

$10,204 – $20,924

Net Price Range

$70,069

Avg. Program Earnings

62.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Chemical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Rice University Houston, Texas	$12,640	$83,915	$58,128	95.7%	8.7%
2	Lamar University Beaumont, Texas	$11,429	$71,015	$8,690	37.2%	83.7%
3	Prairie View A & M University Prairie View, Texas	$14,041	$70,009	$11,299	43.2%	76.1%
4	Texas A & M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas	$10,204	$47,260	$9,892	45.6%	96.6%
5	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$82,830	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%
6	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$13,853	$55,512	$9,711	64.9%	66.2%
7	Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, Texas	$20,924	$80,669	$13,099	83.8%	62.7%
8	Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas	$20,071	$69,338	$11,852	67.5%	67.3%
9	The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler, Texas	$13,931		$9,920	46.8%	93.9%
10	The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, Texas	$11,234		$8,991	51.2%	86.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rice University worth the higher cost for Chemical Engineering?

Rice graduates earn $83,915 annually with only $13,178 in debt, despite paying $12,640 net cost. The university maintains a 95.70% graduation rate and accepts just 8.68% of applicants, creating a highly selective environment that translates to top employer recognition.

How do public universities compare in Chemical Engineering value?

Public options range from Texas A&M-Kingsville at $10,204 to Texas A&M-College Station at $20,924 net cost. UT Austin graduates earn $82,830 annually with 87.60% graduation rates, while Lamar University offers strong value at $11,429 with $71,015 earnings potential.

Is Chemical Engineering job placement strong in Texas?

Texas hosts major chemical employers including ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, and Phillips 66 along the Gulf Coast. The state's petrochemical industry creates consistent demand for Chemical Engineers, with graduates earning between $47,260 and $83,915 depending on their program.

Does graduation rate affect Chemical Engineering program value?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 37.20% at Lamar University to 95.70% at Rice University. Higher graduation rates typically correlate with better earnings outcomes, as seen with UT Austin's 87.60% rate producing $82,830 average salaries.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.