Chemistry at Baker University

In Kansas, chemistry bachelor's programs typically produce first-year earnings around $44,000, which puts Baker's estimated $42,600—based on national peer programs—slightly below the state norm. The estimated debt load of roughly $25,000 mirrors both national and state medians for chemistry degrees, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59. That means graduates would owe about seven months of their first-year salary, which is reasonable for a science degree.

What's less clear is whether Baker's specific program delivers outcomes closer to the state average or below it. Chemistry programs at Fort Hays State and Wichita State both report actual earnings in the $43,700-$44,300 range, suggesting Kansas chemistry graduates generally do find decent-paying work. The question is whether Baker's smaller program (hence the suppressed data) connects students to similar opportunities. The school's 92% admission rate and modest SAT profile suggest it's less selective than some state competitors, which could affect employer recruitment patterns or graduate school placement.

The estimated numbers suggest a workable investment if your child is genuinely committed to chemistry and understands the career paths ahead. But with no actual outcomes data specific to Baker, you're betting on a program that may or may not match what other Kansas schools are producing. If possible, ask Baker directly about recent graduate placements and compare that against what you can learn from Fort Hays or Wichita State.