Analysis
Connecticut College's chemistry program appears positioned near the state median, with similar programs in Connecticut suggesting first-year earnings around $52,000βsignificantly stronger than the national chemistry benchmark of $43,000. The estimated debt load of roughly $25,000 translates to a manageable 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first year's salary. For context, this debt figure aligns closely with what chemistry majors nationally typically carry.
What's less clear is whether Connecticut College specifically delivers on this promise. These figures come from peer programs across Connecticut, not tracked outcomes from this particular school's graduates. The college's selective profile (38% admission rate, 1412 SAT average) and low Pell enrollment suggest a well-resourced student body, but small class sizes have prevented the DOE from publishing actual earnings data. The University of Connecticut system dominates Connecticut's reported chemistry outcomes, and those programs hit that same $52,000 mark.
The numbers suggest a reasonable investment if this program performs like its Connecticut peers. Chemistry graduates generally see steady career trajectories, and starting near $52,000 with moderate debt is workable. Just recognize you're betting on this specific program matching the state average rather than relying on its own verified track record.
Where Connecticut College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $64,812 | $52,216* | β | $24,994* | 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 Connecticut College, approximately 14% 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.