Chemistry at Augustana College

Based on comparable chemistry programs in Illinois, this degree appears positioned near the middle of the state's range—estimated first-year earnings of $44,860 land between Northern Illinois University's $43,061 and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's $46,659. The estimated debt load of roughly $25,000 sits slightly above both state and national medians for chemistry degrees, though the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 remains manageable for a science credential that typically offers steady demand.

What's harder to gauge here is trajectory. Chemistry careers often require graduate school for the best opportunities, meaning this bachelor's might serve as a stepping stone rather than a terminal degree. The estimated debt level becomes more concerning if your child will need to borrow again for further education. The suppressed data—a result of small class sizes rather than institutional problems—also means we can't see whether Augustana's graduates land the research positions and lab jobs that justify the investment, or whether they're scrambling for less specialized work.

For a private liberal arts college, the estimated outcomes look reasonable but not exceptional. If your child is chemistry-focused and graduate school is the plan, prioritize schools with strong research opportunities and faculty connections. If the bachelor's is the endpoint, probe hard about Augustana's industry connections and job placement specifics before committing to costs that exceed what larger state programs charge.