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University of South Alabama delivers Alabama's most affordable Chemical Engineering education at just $15,142 net cost, nearly half the price of private Tuskegee University at $32,977. Auburn University graduates command the highest starting salaries at $74,576, reflecting strong industry connections with Alabama's aerospace sector including Airbus and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The $17,835 cost gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs creates clear financial trade-offs for students entering this field.
5
Programs
$15,142 – $32,977
Net Price Range
$67,727
Avg. Program Earnings
64.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Chemical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
2 $19,880 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%
3 $22,150 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
4 $23,897 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
5 $32,977 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $13,060 salary difference between Auburn and South Alabama graduates?

Auburn University graduates earn $74,576 compared to $61,516 at South Alabama, largely due to Auburn's stronger industry partnerships and higher graduation rate of 79.2%. Auburn's selective 43.74% acceptance rate also indicates more competitive student preparation for high-paying aerospace and manufacturing roles.

How do Alabama's public universities compare for Chemical Engineering value?

All four public options maintain similar in-state tuition around $11,000, but net costs vary significantly from $15,142 to $23,897. The University of Alabama balances moderate costs at $22,150 with solid graduate earnings of $67,995 and a 73.7% graduation rate.

Is Tuskegee University worth the private school premium for Chemical Engineering?

At $32,977 net cost, Tuskegee charges $9,080 more than Auburn while producing graduates earning $7,755 less annually. However, Tuskegee's 29.69% acceptance rate makes it the most selective program, appealing to students seeking smaller class sizes despite the financial trade-off.

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