Analysis
Similar chemistry programs in Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings around $43,600—squarely in line with both state and national norms for this degree. The estimated $26,700 debt load, while not trivial, produces a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio that's actually better than typical for bachelor's programs. For context, the national median debt for chemistry degrees sits at $24,000, so Geneva's estimated figure runs slightly higher but remains in reasonable territory.
The challenge here is that we're working entirely from peer program data—Geneva's own graduate sample is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes. That means parents are betting on Geneva delivering results comparable to the broader Pennsylvania market, which includes programs producing graduates earning anywhere from the mid-$40s (like Millersville and Drexel) down to the state average. Chemistry degrees generally offer solid job prospects, but without program-specific data, you can't verify whether Geneva's curriculum, lab facilities, and industry connections match those of stronger performers in the state.
If your child is considering Geneva for chemistry specifically—not just for fit or other reasons—request placement data directly from the department: where do recent graduates actually work, and at what salaries? The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if Geneva performs at the state average, but you'll want concrete evidence before committing.
Where Geneva College 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,610 | $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 Geneva College, approximately 32% 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.