Chemistry at Kettering University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 sounds manageable on paper, but the reality for this chemistry program deserves closer scrutiny. Based on comparable Bachelor's chemistry programs in Michigan, graduates can expect around $39,736 in their first year—slightly below the national median of $42,581—while carrying an estimated $24,994 in debt. That's roughly eight months of gross earnings to clear the debt burden, which isn't catastrophic, but it's also not impressive for a STEM field that typically promises stronger returns.

What makes this estimate particularly relevant is how it compares to other Michigan chemistry programs with reported outcomes. Grand Valley State and Eastern Michigan both show first-year earnings exceeding $45,000, substantially higher than what similar programs suggest for Kettering. Meanwhile, the estimated debt here sits near the state median of $25,250. For a university with a 79% admission rate and a selective student profile (average SAT: 1219), you'd expect outcomes that beat state averages, not match them.

The math works—graduates should be able to manage their loans—but chemistry majors at peer institutions appear to launch with more financial runway. If your child is drawn to Kettering specifically for co-op opportunities or its engineering-focused culture, understand that the chemistry program may not deliver the same earnings premium as top alternatives in the state. Ask the school directly about placement rates and actual salary outcomes for recent chemistry graduates before committing.