Chemistry at Iowa State University

Iowa State's chemistry program produces graduates earning slightly above the national median but below the state average—a surprising position for the state's flagship land-grant university. At $43,870 first-year out, graduates earn about $500 less than Iowa's median for chemistry majors, placing this program in just the 40th percentile statewide. The University of Iowa's chemistry graduates, for comparison, earn nearly $1,000 more annually.

The debt picture is moderately favorable: at $23,250, graduates carry about $1,350 less than the state median and slightly less than the national benchmark. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 means students borrow roughly half their first-year salary—a manageable starting point for STEM careers, though chemistry graduates typically need graduate degrees for research positions or higher earnings. The relatively accessible admission standards (89% acceptance rate) make this program reachable for most Iowa students.

One important caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so any individual student's outcome could differ significantly. Still, for Iowa families seeking an affordable chemistry degree from a research university with strong lab infrastructure, Iowa State delivers reasonable value despite not leading the state in graduate earnings. The modest debt load provides flexibility for graduate school, which many chemistry majors pursue.