Chemistry at Cedar Crest College

A Chemistry bachelor's from Cedar Crest comes with an estimated $26,677 in debt—slightly below the state median—while peer Chemistry programs in Pennsylvania typically produce first-year earnings around $43,571. That 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within a manageable range, suggesting graduates could reasonably handle loan payments while building their careers. However, it's worth noting that Pennsylvania's top Chemistry programs, including Millersville and Drexel, report first-year earnings closer to $50,000, indicating meaningful variation in outcomes across the state.

The institution's 99% admission rate and below-average SAT scores suggest Cedar Crest operates with open access, which can be valuable for students who need flexibility or alternative pathways into STEM fields. With 39% of students receiving Pell grants, the college clearly serves students from diverse economic backgrounds. Chemistry programs nationwide typically align closely with these estimated figures—the national median sits at $42,581—so the field itself appears to deliver relatively consistent entry-level outcomes regardless of institution.

For a parent evaluating this investment, the key consideration is whether Cedar Crest's chemistry program provides advantages that justify choosing it over nearby alternatives. If proximity, institutional support, or class size matter significantly to your student, the debt burden appears manageable. But if maximizing early earnings is the priority, Pennsylvania offers Chemistry programs with reported outcomes several thousand dollars higher annually—a gap that compounds meaningfully over a career.