Chemistry at Lewis-Clark State College

Chemistry programs across Idaho show considerable variation, but peer programs nationally suggest a debt-to-earnings ratio around 0.56—manageable if not exceptional for a STEM field. Since Lewis-Clark State College has too few chemistry graduates to report actual outcomes, we're looking at national figures of roughly $42,600 in first-year earnings against $23,700 in debt. That's notably better than the typical bachelor's recipient, though it lags behind what you might expect from chemistry programs at larger research universities.

The University of Idaho, the state's only chemistry program with reported data, shows graduates earning about $38,600—actually lower than the national benchmark Lewis-Clark's cohort would be compared against. This suggests Idaho's chemistry job market may be less robust than coastal states, which could affect your student's prospects whether they attend Lewis-Clark or elsewhere in the state. The real question is post-graduation location: staying in Idaho's smaller market versus relocating to areas with more laboratory and research positions.

With a 90% admission rate and relatively modest estimated debt, Lewis-Clark represents an accessible entry point to chemistry credentials. The financial picture appears workable based on similar programs, but your student should investigate where recent graduates actually land jobs and whether the program connects to employers beyond the immediate Lewiston area. For a family concerned about ROI, understanding those placement patterns matters more than the estimated figures alone can tell you.