by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 3 U.S. colleges awarded 29 degrees and certificates in Paper Science & Engineering. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 76% of graduates. College Factual ranks 1 schools in its 2027 Best Paper Science & Engineering Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $86,401 one year after completing, rising to $101,102 after four years.
A major in Paper Science & Engineering explores Paper Science And Engineering. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Mathematical And Scientific Principles To The Design, Development, And Manufacturing Of Pulp And Paper Products. Includes Instruction In Pulp And Paper Science, Pulping And Bleaching Processes, Paper Structure And Processes, Pulp And Paper Manufacturing, Coating Technology, Surface And Colloid Science, And Fibers. Examples: [Paper Science], [Paper Science Engineering], [Pulp And Paper Science], [Wood And Paper Science].
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., paper science & engineering is a popular field of study, with 29 degrees awarded annually. 3 colleges award paper science & engineering degrees, an average of 10 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 11.
By level, the 29 awards include 22 bachelor’s degrees, 3 master’s degrees and 4 doctorates.
Women earned 38% of paper science & engineering degrees and certificates in the latest year (11 of 29). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (18) and Hispanic or Latino (2), and international students earned 5.
College Factual ranks 1 schools in its 2027 Best Paper Science & Engineering Schools ranking, including 1 for bachelor’s degrees. It also ranks paper science & engineering schools within 1 state. In all, 3 colleges offer paper science & engineering programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Paper Science & Engineering Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common paper science & engineering credential is the bachelor’s degree: 22 of the 29 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to paper science & engineering call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Speaking, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Mathematics and Design, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Oral Expression and Oral Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a paper science & engineering degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 22 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 3 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 4 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to paper science & engineering, at 33.3%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 33.3% |
| Doctoral degree | 28.8% |
| Master’s degree | 11.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 7.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 7.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.0% |
| Some college courses | 1.5% |
| First professional degree | 1.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
13 occupations are related to Paper Science & Engineering, with an average median salary of $95,448; the strongest outlook belongs to Solar Energy Systems Engineers, at 14.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Engineer, Chemical Engineering Professor, Assistant Professor and Circuits and Robotics Instructor.
The occupation related to paper science & engineering with the most projected jobs is Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,297,204.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Nanosystems Engineers | 358,781 | -2.9% |
| Wind Energy Engineers | 353,305 | 12.7% |
| Engineers, All Other | 292,948 | -4.3% |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | 266,797 | 14.5% |
| Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | 227,778 | 6.7% |
| Chemical Engineers | 215,233 | 0.7% |
Paper Science & Engineering graduates earn a median $86,401 one year after completing their program, $101,102 after four years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $86,401 |
| 4 years | $101,102 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to paper science & engineering is Engineers, All Other, with a median salary of $136,628.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Chemical Engineers | $130,903 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | $116,775 |
| Mechatronics Engineers | $115,569 |
| Microsystems Engineers | $104,558 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Wind Energy Engineers | $98,460 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
