Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 is solid territory for a bachelor's degree—based on national chemistry program data, graduates would be earning enough to manage typical student debt without financial strain. The challenge here is that Central Christian College enrolls a significant population of Pell-eligible students (43%), yet we're working entirely from estimates since actual outcomes aren't reported. Similar Kansas programs at Fort Hays State and Wichita State show first-year earnings around $44,000, slightly above the national median this estimate draws from, suggesting chemistry degrees in the state generally lead to entry-level positions that pay.
The estimated $24,994 in debt aligns closely with both state and national benchmarks for chemistry programs, indicating typical borrowing patterns. If these estimates hold true, your child would face monthly loan payments around $280—manageable on an initial salary in the low $40,000s. The real question is whether this small private college provides the lab facilities, research opportunities, and industry connections that matter in chemistry careers, especially when larger state schools with verified outcomes exist nearby.
Without actual graduate data, you're making a choice based on faith in the college's chemistry program rather than evidence. If Central Christian offers something specific your child needs—smaller classes, a particular campus culture, faith integration—the financial picture isn't alarming. But if chemistry outcomes are the priority, programs with transparent, reported data give you more certainty about what you're buying.
Where Central Christian College of Kansas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,000 | $42,581* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $5,633 | $44,261* | $42,980 | $31,000* | 0.70 | |
| $9,322 | $43,740* | $41,713 | $26,000* | 0.59 | |
| 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 Central Christian College of Kansas, 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 national median of 205 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.