Analysis
A bachelor's in chemistry from American International College appears positioned near the middle of the Massachusetts pack, with peer programs in the state suggesting first-year earnings around $47,000 against estimated debt of $25,000. That 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably within manageable territory—you'd be looking at monthly loan payments consuming roughly 5% of take-home pay, leaving reasonable breathing room for a recent graduate.
What matters here is the school's open-access model (97% admission rate) serving a predominantly working-class student body (half receiving Pell grants). Chemistry programs at more selective Massachusetts schools like Northeastern command significantly higher starting salaries ($62,500), but those programs also serve vastly different student populations. The estimated earnings here match the state median precisely, suggesting this program delivers industry-standard preparation despite the institution's less selective profile.
The uncertainty cuts both ways. Actual outcomes for this specific cohort could run higher or lower than comparable Massachusetts chemistry programs. But the fundamentals—a hard science degree with clear career pathways, debt below annual earnings, and performance tracking state norms—suggest reasonable value for students who need the accessible entry point American International provides. For families prioritizing both affordability and a legitimate STEM credential, these estimated benchmarks indicate the program merits serious consideration alongside state universities with similar debt profiles.
Where American International College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $42,970 | $47,313* | — | $24,992* | — | |
| $63,141 | $62,511* | $88,634 | $24,500* | 0.39 | |
| $11,389 | $55,376* | $67,363 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| $11,978 | $49,439* | — | $27,000* | 0.55 | |
| $60,850 | $47,313* | $61,540 | $27,000* | 0.57 | |
| $64,946 | $46,641* | $61,613 | $25,484* | 0.55 | |
| National Median | — | $42,581* | — | $24,000* | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with chemistry graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chemists
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At American International College, approximately 50% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.