Chemistry at Francis Marion University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 puts this program in reasonable territory for a STEM bachelor's degree, though the figures here come from peer programs rather than Francis Marion's actual graduates. Based on national chemistry benchmarks, first-year earnings around $42,600 align with typical outcomes, while the estimated $26,500 debt burden tracks closely with what other South Carolina programs report. The ratio suggests manageable repayment—roughly six months of gross income to clear the debt under standard plans.

What's less clear is how Francis Marion's 39% Pell grant population and lower admission selectivity might affect these projections. Chemistry programs at South Carolina's flagship universities report first-year earnings around $39,000—actually lower than the national estimate used here—which raises questions about whether this program truly reaches that $42,600 mark or if it follows the state pattern. The field itself tends to reward graduate education, so students stopping at a bachelor's degree may find themselves competing for lab technician roles rather than research positions.

The bottom line: if the national earnings estimate holds true, the debt load is manageable for a science degree that can lead to stable employment. But parents should recognize they're working with borrowed numbers from similar programs elsewhere, not proven outcomes from this campus. Visit the career services office and ask specifically about recent chemistry graduate placements and whether most students continue to graduate school—those answers matter more than these estimates.