Analysis
Chemistry programs in Kentucky show considerable variation, with first-year earnings ranging from roughly $35,000 to $48,000 depending on the institution. Based on comparable programs statewide, Brescia graduates would likely land near the middle of that range at around $42,000—essentially matching both the Kentucky and national medians for chemistry bachelor's degrees. That puts estimated debt of $25,000 at a manageable 0.60 ratio to first-year earnings, slightly above the state median but right in line with national chemistry program norms.
The challenge with Brescia's small program is that we're working entirely from estimated figures derived from peer institutions rather than actual graduate outcomes. While the projected debt load appears reasonable for a chemistry degree, and 43% of students receive Pell grants suggesting decent financial aid availability, there's no track record here to confirm whether Brescia's specific curriculum, lab facilities, or employer connections deliver similar results to other Kentucky programs. Murray State's chemistry graduates, for instance, start nearly $7,000 higher.
For a parent considering this investment, the estimated numbers suggest chemistry at Brescia wouldn't be a financial disaster—the debt-to-earnings projection is workable. But with no actual outcome data available, you're essentially betting that Brescia's program performs at least as well as the Kentucky average. If you're choosing between schools with reported data (like Murray State) and ones relying on estimates, the programs with proven track records offer more certainty about what your child's financial picture will actually look like after graduation.
Where Brescia University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,450 | $41,842* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $9,708 | $48,334* | — | $25,000* | 0.52 | |
| $12,828 | $41,842* | — | $24,411* | 0.58 | |
| $10,130 | $34,512* | $57,563 | $23,584* | 0.68 | |
| 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 Brescia University, approximately 43% 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 3 similar programs in KY. Actual outcomes may vary.