Analysis
Based on comparable chemistry programs across Connecticut, CCSU graduates appear positioned near $52,000 in first-year earnings with roughly $26,000 in debtβa manageable half-year-of-salary ratio that suggests reasonable financial footing. These figures, drawn from similar bachelor's programs in the state, actually exceed national chemistry benchmarks by about $10,000, reflecting Connecticut's concentration of pharmaceutical and biotech employers who actively recruit chemists.
The debt estimate aligns closely with national norms for chemistry degrees, while the earnings advantage is substantial. Similar programs in Connecticut, including those at UConn's various campuses, cluster around this same salary range, suggesting the state's job market rewards chemistry credentials fairly consistently regardless of which institution conferred them. For a school with a 76% admission rate and strong representation of Pell-eligible students, producing outcomes comparable to more selective programs represents genuine accessibility to these higher-paying roles.
The key uncertainty is whether CCSU's specific program matches these peer outcomes or falls below themβthe suppressed data means we simply can't verify graduate success here. If your student thrives in lab coursework and can secure relevant internships (critical in chemistry), the estimated financial picture looks solid. But given that unknown, visiting the department to ask about graduate placement records and industry connections would help confirm whether this particular program delivers on chemistry's typical Connecticut promise.
Where Central Connecticut State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,460 | $52,216* | β | $26,158* | β | |
| $20,366 | $52,216* | $65,230 | $26,158* | 0.50 | |
| $17,462 | $52,216* | $65,230 | $26,158* | 0.50 | |
| $17,462 | $52,216* | $65,230 | $26,158* | 0.50 | |
| $17,472 | $52,216* | $65,230 | $26,158* | 0.50 | |
| $17,452 | $52,216* | $65,230 | $26,158* | 0.50 | |
| National Median | β | $42,581* | β | $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 Connecticut State University, approximately 35% 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 6 similar programs in CT. Actual outcomes may vary.