Chemistry at Augusta University

Augusta University's chemistry graduates earn $48,382 in their first year—a figure that outpaces the Georgia median by more than 40% and ranks in the 80th percentile statewide. For context, this program produces stronger early earnings than chemistry degrees from UGA, Emory, and Georgia State. The $23,031 median debt is roughly in line with what Georgia chemistry students typically carry, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 that suggests graduates can manage their loans on a starting salary.

The caveat here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates in this dataset, these numbers could shift considerably with more students. However, the gap between Augusta's outcomes and other Georgia programs is substantial enough to take seriously. The university's 89% admission rate and accessible profile suggest this isn't a highly selective program cherry-picking top students, which makes the earnings advantage more noteworthy.

For families in Georgia, this represents a relatively affordable path to solid science earnings, particularly if your student can keep debt near the median. The early salary provides meaningful breathing room for loan repayment while pursuing entry-level chemistry work or graduate studies. Just recognize that the small cohort means individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs.