Chemistry at Bellarmine University

The $25,000 in estimated debt for Bellarmine's chemistry bachelor's is manageable—roughly 60% of first-year earnings—but those earnings figures come from just three comparable Kentucky programs, making them unreliable predictors for this specific school. What we do know: chemistry bachelor's programs nationally produce a median starting salary of $42,581, while Kentucky programs cluster around $41,842. The debt estimate comes from similar private institutions nationwide and aligns closely with both national and state medians for chemistry degrees, suggesting it's in a reasonable range.

The concern isn't the debt load itself but rather the wide variation among Kentucky's chemistry programs. Murray State graduates reportedly earn $48,334 their first year out—14% more than the state median—while Eastern Kentucky University sits at $34,512. That $14,000 spread matters enormously when you're carrying debt. Without actual outcomes data from Bellarmine, you're betting on where this program falls within that range. The university's 94% admission rate and modest test scores suggest it may not command the same employment outcomes as more selective programs, but chemistry degrees generally offer stronger job prospects than many liberal arts fields.

Before committing, find recent Bellarmine chemistry graduates on LinkedIn and ask directly about their job search experience and starting salaries. The estimated figures suggest a workable investment if outcomes match state medians, but you need real data from this specific program to know whether that $25,000 debt will feel manageable or burdensome.