Analysis
Chemistry programs in Pennsylvania span a wide range, with top earners like Millersville and Drexel graduates making around $50,000 in their first year, while the state median sits at roughly $44,000. Based on comparable chemistry programs statewide, King's College graduates likely fall near this median—a respectable starting point that aligns closely with national benchmarks for the field. The estimated $26,677 in debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61, which suggests manageable repayment for most graduates entering lab positions or quality control roles.
The challenge is that chemistry bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones rather than endpoints. Many graduates pursue graduate school for better-paying positions in research or pharmaceutical development, which means taking on additional debt. If your child plans to work immediately after graduation, first-year earnings around $44,000 provide a stable foundation for loan repayment. However, if graduate school is the goal, factor in both the costs ahead and the limited salary growth during those years.
King's small graduating class size—which necessitates these estimates—could work in your child's favor through closer faculty mentorship and research opportunities, or it might signal fewer on-campus resources compared to larger Pennsylvania universities. The real question is whether the program offers sufficient preparation for either career entry or competitive graduate school admission, since the financial outcome depends heavily on which path your child takes.
Where King's College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (73 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $42,600 | $43,571* | — | $26,677* | — | |
| $12,262 | $50,524* | $55,858 | $20,250* | 0.40 | |
| $60,663 | $49,215* | — | $29,667* | 0.60 | |
| $14,630 | $43,571* | $58,424 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,646 | $43,571* | $58,424 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $14,620 | $43,571* | $58,424 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| 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 King's College, approximately 27% 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 10 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.