What is the starting salary for Chemical Engineering graduates in Shreveport?

The estimated starting salary for Chemical Engineering graduates in Shreveport, LA is $81,180 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. The national average starting salary for this major is $82,000. Salaries in Shreveport are 1% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Chemical Engineering degree worth it in Shreveport?

A Chemical Engineering degree in Shreveport has an estimated ROI payback period of 1.7 years, with a projected lifetime return of $960,972 after subtracting education costs. With 14 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $8,434/year, Shreveport offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.2% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Chemical Engineering in Shreveport?

The average annual public university tuition in Shreveport is $8,434, while private universities average $38,590/year. Including room and board ($11,198/year), total 4-year costs range from $78,528 at a public school to $199,152 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Shreveport is $14,933/year.

What jobs can Chemical Engineering graduates get in Shreveport?

Chemical Engineering graduates in Shreveport can pursue careers as Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Plant Manager. Key skills valued by local employers include Process Design, Thermodynamics, Reactor Design, Mass Transfer. The Shreveport job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, BASF.

How long to pay off student loans for Chemical Engineering in Shreveport?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Chemical Engineering graduates in Shreveport would pay $892/month on an estimated $78,528 in loans, with $28,472 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,536/month but save $14,811 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $81,180, monthly payments would represent 13% of gross monthly income.

Chemical Engineering Degree in Shreveport, LA — Salary & ROI 2026

Chemical Engineering degree analysis for Shreveport, LA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$81K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$119K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

1.7 yrs

in Shreveport

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Chemical Engineering in Shreveport, LA Overview

Shreveport, Louisiana (pop. 187,593) has 14 colleges offering Chemical Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 99 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $810/month. Chemical Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Process Design and Thermodynamics. The adjusted starting salary in Shreveport is approximately $81,180.

Chemical Engineering Salary in Shreveport (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Shreveport's cost of living index of 99 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$81,180($-820 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$118,800($-1,200 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$148,500($-1,500 vs national)

Note: National average Chemical Engineering salary: $82,000 starting, $120,000 mid-career, $150,000 senior level.Shreveport adjustment factor: 0.99x based on the local cost of living index.

Chemical Engineering ROI Calculator for Shreveport

Estimate your return on investment for a Chemical Engineering degree using local Shreveport tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $8,434 | Private avg: $38,590

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Shreveport avg aid: $14,933/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$78,528

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$46,530

vs HS diploma in Shreveport

ROI Payback Period

1.7 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Shreveport

$960,972

Lifetime earnings premium ($1,039,500) minus total education cost ($78,528)

Student Loan Payoff for Chemical Engineering in Shreveport

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$78,528

Monthly Payment$892

Total Interest$28,472

% of Monthly Income13%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$78,528

Monthly Payment$1,536

Total Interest$13,661

Interest Savings$14,811

Colleges in Shreveport for Chemical Engineering

Louisiana State University Shreveport

public

$8,434/yr

$33,736 total

Centenary College of Louisiana

private

$38,590/yr

$154,360 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Bossier Parish Community College

$4,236/yr

Top Employers for Chemical Engineering in Shreveport

Shreveport offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Chemical Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

ExxonMobilDow ChemicalBASFChevron3M

Key Shreveport Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Chemical Engineering Job Titles

Chemical EngineerProcess EngineerPlant Manager

Chemical Engineering in Nearby Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA

$74K starting · COL 90

23 colleges

Baton Rouge, LA

$67K starting · COL 82

16 colleges

Metairie, LA

$73K starting · COL 89.4

6 colleges

Lafayette, LA

$85K starting · COL 104

5 colleges

Lake Charles, LA

$66K starting · COL 80

6 colleges

Bossier City, LA

$72K starting · COL 87.8

3 colleges

Kenner, LA

$76K starting · COL 92.5

3 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Shreveport

Petroleum Engineering

$50K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$50K starting · 3 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$50K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$79K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$79K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$77K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$50K starting · 3 yr ROI

Architectural Engineering

$77K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Chemical Engineering degree outcomes in Shreveport, LA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Chemical Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Louisiana.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Shreveport using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Chemical Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Chemical Engineering career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Chemical Engineering grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Shreveport Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Louisiana students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Louisiana)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Louisiana programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "louisiana higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Chemical Engineering Degree in Shreveport — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Chemical Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Shreveport.

Chemical Engineering Overview Colleges in Shreveport All Majors