Best Chemical Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 10 colleges offering Chemical Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 734 recent graduates. Graduates in Pennsylvania earn $71,371 on average within two years — 7% above the national average of $66,408, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

Schools in PA

$71,371

PA Avg. Earnings

$66,408

National Avg.

152

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Chemical Engineering in Pennsylvania

Public Schools (2)

$68,422

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (8)

$72,108

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,686 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Chemical Engineering Schools in Pennsylvania, Ranked by Earnings

Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private

$76,460

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $71,437

Graduates: 25

Acceptance: 32.0%

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

$75,432

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $80,722

Graduates: 46

Acceptance: 11.4%

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$74,576

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $66,484

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 5.9%

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private

$74,200

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $67,293

Graduates: 60

Acceptance: 29.3%

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$71,661

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $67,486

Graduates: 90

Acceptance: 77.5%

Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private

$68,499

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $64,479

Graduates: 88

Acceptance: 25.1%

University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Johnstown, PA · Public

$68,422

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $69,207

Graduates: 182

Acceptance: 95.9%

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA · Public

$68,422

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $69,207

Graduates: 182

Acceptance: 49.7%

Lafayette College

Easton, PA · Private

$68,379

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $64,532

Graduates: 25

Acceptance: 31.5%

#10

Widener University

Chester, PA · Private

$67,660

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $56,994

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 84.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Chemical Engineering in Pennsylvania?

Bucknell University ranks #1 for Chemical Engineering in Pennsylvania with median graduate earnings of $76,460 within two years of graduation. There are 10 schools offering Chemical Engineering programs in the state.

How much do Chemical Engineering graduates earn in Pennsylvania?

Chemical Engineering graduates in Pennsylvania earn an average of $71,371 within two years of graduation. This is 7% above the national average of $66,408 for this major.

What is the hardest Chemical Engineering school to get into in Pennsylvania?

University of Pennsylvania is the most selective Chemical Engineering program in Pennsylvania with an acceptance rate of 5.9%. The average acceptance rate across Chemical Engineering programs in the state is 44.2%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Chemical Engineering in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, private Chemical Engineering programs produce average earnings of $72,108 vs $68,422 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 8 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Pennsylvania

Computer Science $80,288 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other $75,470 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $75,030 Industrial Engineering $72,729 Business/Managerial Economics $71,719 Materials Engineering $71,420 Computer Engineering $71,016 Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $69,260

All colleges in Pennsylvania →

Chemical Engineering in Other States

California New York Ohio Texas Michigan Massachusetts Connecticut Illinois Indiana Alabama Tennessee Florida View All →

Get Chemical Engineering Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.