Analysis
A Bachelor's in Chemistry from George Fox carries an estimated $22,750 in debt—roughly in line with other Oregon chemistry programs—but the financial picture depends heavily on what graduates do with the degree. Based on comparable programs in Oregon, first-year earnings around $42,000 suggest this credential performs near the state median, putting debt at about half of first year income. That's a manageable starting point, though chemistry degrees often serve as springboards to graduate school or professional programs rather than endpoints themselves.
The challenge is that we're working with limited visibility here. George Fox's small chemistry cohort means actual outcomes aren't publicly reported, so these estimates come from just three peer programs in Oregon. What we do know: the degree holds its value against the national chemistry median ($42,581), and the estimated debt load is slightly below the national benchmark. For students planning to work immediately after graduation in lab roles or quality control, these earnings may feel modest given the technical rigor of the major. For those heading to medical school, pharmacy programs, or graduate research, the relatively contained debt becomes more strategic.
The bottom line: if your student is certain about chemistry and has a clear plan for what comes after—whether that's industry work, teaching, or advanced degrees—the estimated financial profile suggests a reasonable foundation. But with George Fox's 96% admission rate and limited outcome data, you'll want to verify that the program offers the research opportunities, industry connections, or pre-professional advising that will make that degree translate into the next step.
Where George Fox University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,940 | $41,779* | — | $22,750* | — | |
| $13,494 | $41,779* | $56,658 | $25,500* | 0.61 | |
| $12,594 | $41,779* | $56,658 | $25,500* | 0.61 | |
| $11,238 | $35,395* | $54,740 | $24,773* | 0.70 | |
| 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 George Fox University, approximately 27% 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 3 similar programs in OR. Actual outcomes may vary.