Chemistry at Florida International University

FIU's chemistry program shows one of the steepest earnings trajectories you'll find—graduates more than double their income from $28,660 in year one to over $60,000 by year four. That explosive 110% growth suggests many graduates pursue additional training (medical school, pharmacy, graduate programs) or certification periods before their careers fully launch. While first-year earnings land at just the 5th percentile nationally, they're near the Florida median, and the relatively modest $15,750 debt load means the initial lean period won't create financial crisis.

The real question is whether your family can weather that first year or two. At 0.55, the debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, but $28,660 is barely above minimum wage in Miami. Compare this to UCF's chemistry program where graduates start at $43,634—that $15,000 difference represents real financial breathing room. However, if your student is already committed to a post-graduate path (pre-med, for instance), the strong eventual earnings and lower debt make this a defensible choice, particularly for families qualifying for in-state tuition at this Hispanic-serving institution where 40% of students receive Pell grants.

Bottom line: This works if you can support your graduate through their first year or two post-college while they pursue additional credentials. If they need immediate income after graduation, look at UCF or FSU instead.