Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 suggests manageable borrowing—graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary. Based on comparable chemistry bachelor's programs, new graduates typically earn around $42,600 annually, with estimated debt near $25,000. That positions this program close to the national median for chemistry degrees, though Alabama's chemistry programs show considerable variation: the University of North Alabama's graduates report nearly $50,000 in first-year earnings, while UAB's earn $34,000.
Chemistry degrees generally lead to stable employment in labs, quality control, or as stepping stones to graduate programs in medicine or research. The mid-$40,000 starting point aligns with what entry-level lab technician and quality assurance roles typically pay. However, many chemistry graduates pursue additional credentials—medical school, pharmacy programs, or graduate research—which means this bachelor's degree often functions as an intermediate step rather than a terminal credential.
Without actual outcomes data for Auburn Montgomery specifically, prospective students face uncertainty about whether this program matches stronger performers like North Alabama or tracks closer to lower earners. If your child plans to work immediately after graduation, the estimated debt load appears reasonable. If graduate school is likely, factor in additional borrowing before the chemistry degree starts generating income.
Where Auburn University at Montgomery Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,436 | $42,581* | — | $24,915* | — | |
| $11,990 | $49,497* | $70,485 | $24,830* | 0.50 | |
| $8,832 | $33,931* | — | $26,000* | 0.77 | |
| 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 Auburn University at Montgomery, approximately 43% 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 national median of 205 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.