Chemistry at Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Bachelor's Degree
centralmethodist.eduAnalysis
Chemistry programs in Missouri show considerable range, with Central Methodist's estimated outcomes landing squarely in the middle. Based on comparable programs in the state, first-year earnings around $40,446 would place graduates slightly below flagship programs like Mizzou ($45,279) but within striking distance of other state schools. The estimated debt load of roughly $25,000—derived from similar private institutions nationally—produces a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about seven and a half months of their first year's salary.
The challenge here is context: these figures come from peer programs rather than Central Methodist's actual graduate outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about how this specific program performs. What we can say is that chemistry bachelor's degrees generally provide solid footing for employment, and the estimated debt burden sits right at the national median for this field. For families considering a private college experience in a small town setting, the financial picture appears workable compared to what similar chemistry programs typically produce.
The key question is whether Central Methodist offers advantages—research opportunities, graduate school placement, lab access—that justify choosing it over lower-cost public options in Missouri with verified outcomes. Request specific data from the school about where recent chemistry graduates have landed, both in jobs and graduate programs, before committing.
Where Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (32 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,140 | $40,446* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $14,130 | $45,279* | — | $20,500* | 0.45 | |
| $9,024 | $41,166* | $52,668 | $23,750* | 0.58 | |
| $11,988 | $39,725* | $47,533 | $24,821* | 0.62 | |
| $10,181 | $39,478* | — | $24,884* | 0.63 | |
| 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 Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, approximately 37% 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 4 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.