Analysis
Estimating around $26,700 in debt against first-year earnings of roughly $43,600, this chemistry program appears financially manageable based on what comparable Pennsylvania programs produce. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 suggests graduates could reasonably pay down loans within a few years—a solid position for a science degree that often serves as a stepping stone to graduate school or industry positions.
What's encouraging is that similar chemistry programs across Pennsylvania cluster tightly around this $43,600 earnings figure, and that matches the national median almost exactly. This consistency suggests reasonable stability in the chemistry job market for bachelor's-level graduates, whether they're entering pharmaceutical companies, environmental labs, or quality control positions. The estimated debt load also tracks closely with both state and national norms for chemistry degrees, sitting slightly above the $24,000 national median but well within the typical range.
The caveat here is that these figures come from peer programs rather than Gannon's actual graduates, so there's inherent uncertainty. If you're considering this program, the financial picture looks standard for chemistry—neither a bargain nor overpriced. The real question becomes whether Gannon's specific strengths (lab facilities, faculty connections, internship pipelines) justify choosing it over Pennsylvania programs with reported outcomes in the same earnings band, like the University of Pittsburgh system campuses.
Where Gannon University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (73 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,951 | $43,571* | — | $26,677* | — | |
| $12,262 | $50,524* | $55,858 | $20,250* | 0.40 | |
| $60,663 | $49,215* | — | $29,667* | 0.60 | |
| $14,630 | $43,571* | $58,424 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,646 | $43,571* | $58,424 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,620 | $43,571* | $58,424 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| 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 Gannon University, approximately 22% 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 10 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.