Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering. — ROI at Northwestern University
IL · Based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data
Financial Breakdown for Chemical Engineering. at Northwestern University
Net Annual Cost
$87,804
After grants & scholarships
Median Earnings
$85,168
Median salary after graduation
Net Debt
$16,500
After personal savings applied
20-Year Net ROI Projection
Gross Earnings (20 years)
$85,168 × 20 years
+$1,703,360
Total 4-Year Cost
$87,804 × 4 years
−$351,216
Estimated Debt Payoff ⓘ Includes estimated interest over a standard 10-year repayment plan.
$16,500 principal × 1.35 (interest)
−$22,275
Baseline Opportunity Cost ⓘ The estimated earnings you would make with a high school diploma over 20 years ($42,000/yr), which you forfeit while studying.
$42,000 median no-degree salary × 20 years
−$840,000
20-Year Net ROI
+$489,869
Graduation Rate
96.2%
of students complete their degree
Want to see how Northwestern University stacks up against others?
Compare ROI, cost, and salary side-by-side across programs.
Compare This DegreeExplore More Rankings
How we calculate ROI
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings − Total 4-Year Cost − Estimated Debt Payoff − Baseline Opportunity Cost
Baseline assumes $42,000/yr median earnings without a college degree. Debt payoff uses a 1.35× multiplier to account for interest over a standard repayment period.
Data sourced from the U.S. College Scorecard.