Analysis
Chemistry majors from comparable programs in Maryland typically earn around $48,000 in their first year—a figure that puts Goucher's estimated outcomes right at the state median but notably above the national benchmark of $42,600. With estimated debt of about $25,000, chemistry graduates would face a manageable debt burden of roughly half their first-year salary, which is reasonable for a science degree that often leads to graduate school or specialized roles.
However, the small sample size that led to data suppression here matters. Maryland's chemistry programs show substantial variation in outcomes—from $44,000 at UMBC to nearly $53,000 at Towson—suggesting that individual program characteristics, local employer connections, and graduate school placement rates significantly influence results. Without actual data for Goucher specifically, it's difficult to know where this program falls on that spectrum. The estimated $25,000 debt figure is also derived from national patterns rather than Goucher's own financial aid practices, which could be more or less generous.
For parents evaluating this investment, the estimated numbers suggest a workable starting point for a chemistry degree, but you'll want to dig deeper into Goucher's specific chemistry department: where do graduates actually land—research positions, graduate programs, industry jobs? How many students pursue advanced degrees? These answers matter more than state-wide estimates when the actual outcomes remain unclear.
Where Goucher College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (21 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $51,250 | $48,155* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $11,306 | $52,765* | $59,027 | $23,000* | 0.44 | |
| $10,638 | $50,169* | — | $27,000* | 0.54 | |
| $11,505 | $46,140* | — | $21,238* | 0.46 | |
| $12,952 | $44,215* | — | $16,750* | 0.38 | |
| 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 Goucher College, approximately 31% 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 4 similar programs in MD. Actual outcomes may vary.