Chemistry at Illinois Wesleyan University

Based on comparable chemistry programs in Illinois, this bachelor's degree appears positioned in the middle tier, with estimated first-year earnings of $44,860—roughly on par with the state median but trailing powerhouse programs like UIUC by about $2,000. The estimated debt load of $25,000 yields a manageable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about half of what they're likely to earn in their first year. For context, the national median debt for chemistry bachelor's programs sits at $24,000, so this estimate suggests fairly typical borrowing at a selective private institution where 45% of applicants gain admission.

What's less certain is whether Illinois Wesleyan's smaller program delivers advantages that offset its likely similar-to-slightly-higher costs compared to state schools. Chemistry programs at Illinois publics span a wide range—from Western Illinois at $32,000 to UIUC at $47,000—suggesting that institutional resources and industry connections matter significantly in this field. The lack of reported data here (due to small class sizes, not program weakness) means you're betting on the value of intensive faculty interaction and undergraduate research opportunities without direct evidence of where these particular graduates land.

The debt-to-earnings picture looks workable if your student secures typical chemistry employment, but recognize you're making this decision with peer-program estimates rather than this school's track record. If graduate school is the plan, which many chemistry majors pursue, keeping debt closer to $20,000 would provide more flexibility.