Analysis
In Minnesota, chemistry programs range widely in outcomes, and Bemidji State's estimated figures land squarely in the middle of the pack. Based on four comparable chemistry bachelor's programs in Minnesota, graduates here likely earn around $46,000 in their first year—matching the state median and outpacing the national benchmark of $42,600. The estimated debt load of $24,250 yields a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, meaning students would owe roughly half their first-year salary.
The challenge with Bemidji State is that we're working entirely with estimates derived from peer programs rather than actual outcomes for this school's chemistry graduates. The small graduate sample means the DOE can't publish specific data. What we can see is that similar Minnesota chemistry programs—including the University of Minnesota-Duluth at $44,700 and St. Olaf at $44,000—produce earnings in this ballpark, suggesting the estimate is grounded in reasonable comparables.
For parents weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest chemistry at Bemidji State could deliver solid returns without crushing debt—assuming the actual outcomes align with these peer benchmarks. The 71% admission rate and modest SAT scores indicate accessible entry, but you're buying into uncertainty about this specific program's track record. If your student is committed to chemistry and Bemidji State appeals for other reasons, these estimates offer cautious reassurance rather than a red flag.
Where Bemidji State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (26 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,164 | $46,063* | — | $24,250* | — | |
| $48,311 | $50,007* | — | —* | — | |
| $16,488 | $47,451* | $64,031 | $21,158* | 0.45 | |
| $14,318 | $44,674* | $66,981 | $22,500* | 0.50 | |
| $56,970 | $44,020* | $57,761 | $24,988* | 0.57 | |
| 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 Bemidji State University, approximately 26% 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 median of 4 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.