Analysis
Chemistry bachelor's programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $42,600, and Creighton's graduates likely fall somewhere in that range based on peer institutions. The $26,733 in debt sits right at Nebraska's median for chemistry programs, though slightly above the national benchmark of $24,000. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, graduates would need roughly eight months of gross income to cover their loans—manageable by most standards, especially for a private institution where debt loads often run higher.
The challenge here is the lack of specific outcomes data for Creighton's chemistry program. While the national figures suggest reasonable earning potential for chemistry graduates broadly, local job markets and the strength of a school's industry connections can significantly shift those numbers. Creighton's relatively low Pell grant percentage (just 5%) indicates a wealthier student body, which sometimes correlates with stronger alumni networks and job placement support—factors that could push outcomes above the national average.
If your child is genuinely committed to chemistry and values Creighton's Jesuit education and smaller class sizes, the estimated debt burden shouldn't be disqualifying. But press the school for concrete placement data: where do their chemistry graduates actually work, and at what starting salaries? Without school-specific outcomes, you're essentially betting on national averages holding true in Omaha's specific job market.
Where Creighton University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Chemistry bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,000 | $42,581* | — | $26,733 | — | |
| $63,141 | $62,511* | $88,634 | $24,500 | 0.39 | |
| $14,850 | $59,576* | $64,496 | $11,172 | 0.19 | |
| $14,766 | $55,389* | — | $23,600 | 0.43 | |
| $11,389 | $55,376* | $67,363 | $27,000 | 0.49 | |
| $16,080 | $54,055* | $67,828 | $24,893 | 0.46 | |
| 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 Creighton University, approximately 5% 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.