Best Chemical Engineering Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee has 4 colleges offering Chemical Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 211 recent graduates. Graduates earn $66,750 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $66,408.

School choice matters significantly: Vanderbilt University graduates earn $73,446 while Tennessee Technological University graduates earn $59,576 — a $13,870 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

4
Schools in TN
$66,750
TN Avg. Earnings
$66,408
National Avg.
152
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Chemical Engineering in Tennessee

Public Schools (3)
$64,518
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (1)
$73,446
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $8,928 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Chemical Engineering Schools in Tennessee, Ranked by Earnings

#1
V

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN · Private

$73,446
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $73,971
Graduates: 24
Acceptance: 6.3%
#2
T

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN · Public

$67,324
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $65,427
Graduates: 34
Acceptance: 77.0%
#3
T

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public

$66,653
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $52,711
Graduates: 90
Acceptance: 46.0%
#4
T

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN · Public

$59,576
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $60,903
Graduates: 63
Acceptance: 83.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Chemical Engineering in Tennessee?
Vanderbilt University ranks #1 for Chemical Engineering in Tennessee with median graduate earnings of $73,446 within two years of graduation. There are 4 schools offering Chemical Engineering programs in the state.
How much do Chemical Engineering graduates earn in Tennessee?
Chemical Engineering graduates in Tennessee earn an average of $66,750 within two years of graduation. This is 1% above the national average of $66,408 for this major.
What is the hardest Chemical Engineering school to get into in Tennessee?
Vanderbilt University is the most selective Chemical Engineering program in Tennessee with an acceptance rate of 6.3%. The average acceptance rate across Chemical Engineering programs in the state is 53.1%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Chemical Engineering in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, private Chemical Engineering programs produce average earnings of $73,446 vs $64,518 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 1 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Tennessee

All colleges in Tennessee →

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