Chemistry at Freed-Hardeman University

A chemistry degree carries real risk when debt reaches $25,000 but first-year earnings—based on comparable Tennessee programs—hover around $42,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 means graduates are likely carrying debt equal to more than half their annual income, a burden that can stretch repayment timelines and delay other financial goals. Four chemistry programs in Tennessee report similar outcomes, suggesting this field doesn't command premium starting salaries in the state.

The debt load here exceeds Tennessee's typical $20,000 for chemistry degrees, though it aligns with what similar private institutions nationally report. Meanwhile, earnings track closely with both state and national medians—there's no evidence this program underperforms peers, but there's also no earnings premium to justify the higher borrowing. Chemistry graduates often need graduate school for career advancement, which means this debt represents just the first layer of educational investment.

For families considering Freed-Hardeman's chemistry program, the central question is whether the specific educational environment justifies borrowing 24% more than Tennessee's chemistry students typically do. The earnings outlook based on peer programs suggests a functional but not lucrative start, and that gap between what you'll owe and what you'll earn matters significantly in those critical first years after graduation.