Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 suggests manageable starting finances for a Kansas Wesleyan chemistry graduate, though the foundation here is estimates from peer programs nationally rather than actual outcomes from this small school. Based on comparable bachelor's programs in chemistry across the country, first-year earnings around $42,600 would put graduates roughly at the national median—not exceptional, but solid for a science credential. The estimated $25,000 in debt sits close to what chemistry students typically carry elsewhere, making the monthly payments workable on an entry-level science salary.
What gives pause is how Kansas Wesleyan's estimated figures compare to nearby state universities with actual reported data. Fort Hays State and Wichita State both show chemistry graduates earning $43,700-$44,300, slightly above these estimates, while offering the infrastructure and research opportunities of larger institutions. The state median of $44,000 reinforces that Kansas chemistry programs generally cluster in this range, but without this school's actual outcomes, you're banking on assumptions drawn from national patterns fitting a small liberal arts program.
For families considering Kansas Wesleyan specifically, the key decision hinges on whether the smaller campus environment justifies choosing a school without verified outcomes data over proven state alternatives. If your student thrives in intimate settings and the estimated debt stays under $25,000, the financial picture looks reasonable—but confirm actual job placement rates and graduate school acceptance directly with the department before committing.
Where Kansas Wesleyan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,470 | $42,581* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $5,633 | $44,261* | $42,980 | $31,000* | 0.70 | |
| $9,322 | $43,740* | $41,713 | $26,000* | 0.59 | |
| 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 Kansas Wesleyan University, approximately 41% 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 national median of 205 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.