Analysis
Based on comparable chemistry programs in Kentucky, first-year earnings around $42,000 paired with roughly $25,000 in debt creates a manageable financial foundation—about six months of gross salary to pay off loans. This debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 falls comfortably within the range where most graduates can handle repayment without serious strain.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With only three chemistry programs in Kentucky reporting data, and this program's outcomes masked by small graduate cohorts, you're making assumptions based on limited peers. The state benchmark suggests earnings near the national median for chemistry degrees, but individual program quality varies considerably—Murray State's graduates earn $48,000 while Eastern Kentucky's start at $35,000. Chemistry is typically a stable major with clear career paths in labs, quality control, and healthcare, but Campbellsville's near-universal admission rate (98%) raises questions about academic rigor and employer perceptions that estimated figures can't answer.
The practical reality: if this program performs anywhere near the state median, the financial picture works. But you're investing without seeing this specific program's track record. Before committing, verify what percentage of chemistry graduates actually complete the degree, where recent alumni are employed, and whether the program feeds into regional employers or graduate schools. The estimated numbers suggest viability, but they can't confirm it.
Where Campbellsville 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26,990 | $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 Campbellsville University, approximately 22% 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.