Chemistry at California State University-San Bernardino

Cal State San Bernardino's chemistry graduates start at $40,402—roughly $3,400 below California's median for chemistry programs and landing squarely at the 40th percentile both statewide and nationally. That's a meaningful gap in a state where chemistry bachelor's degrees typically launch stronger careers, and it's particularly notable when other CSU campuses like Long Beach and San Marcos place their chemistry grads $10,000 higher. The positive news is exceptionally low debt: at $16,553, graduates here carry about $7,500 less than the national median, resulting in a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio.

For families weighing options, this creates a clear tradeoff. If your student has admission to multiple chemistry programs in California, the earnings differential with higher-performing schools is substantial enough to consider carefully—that $10,000 gap compounds significantly over a career. However, for students who need to stay local or for whom San Bernardino represents their best four-year option, the minimal debt burden means graduates aren't financially hamstrung by their choice. With 57% of students receiving Pell grants, this campus clearly serves students who might otherwise struggle to access a chemistry degree at all.

The program works best for students prioritizing debt avoidance and local access over maximizing initial earnings. Just understand that career outcomes will likely require extra effort—graduate school, strategic internships, or geographic mobility—to catch up to what other California programs deliver out of the gate.