Analysis
Based on comparable chemistry programs across Indiana, Marian's graduates can expect first-year earnings around $42,580—squarely in line with the state median and remarkably similar to what larger research universities like IU Bloomington produce. With estimated debt of roughly $25,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 sits comfortably in manageable territory, meaning graduates would owe about seven months' salary. This suggests the program delivers competitive market preparation without imposing outsized financial burden.
What's encouraging here is that peer programs in Indiana show tight earnings clustering regardless of institutional prestige—Ball State, IU Indianapolis, and University of Indianapolis all place their chemistry graduates within a few thousand dollars of each other. This pattern suggests chemistry credentials translate fairly consistently to entry-level opportunities across the state, likely in pharmaceuticals, labs, and healthcare facilities where Indianapolis has strong employer presence. The 95% admission rate means access isn't a barrier if your student has solid preparation.
The caveat: these figures are estimates drawn from similar programs since Marian's cohort was too small for the Department of Education to publish. Still, the debt level aligns with national chemistry program norms, and the earnings estimate matches both state and national medians almost exactly. For a student committed to chemistry and interested in Marian's smaller campus environment, the financial picture appears workable—just recognize you're betting on outcomes that mirror peer programs rather than this school's verified track record.
Where Marian University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (36 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,100 | $42,580* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $9,992 | $47,213* | $48,715 | $19,500* | 0.41 | |
| $11,790 | $42,889* | $59,000 | $17,000* | 0.40 | |
| $10,758 | $42,677* | $42,387 | $25,000* | 0.59 | |
| $10,449 | $42,482* | $52,352 | $21,902* | 0.52 | |
| $36,136 | $40,612* | — | $23,214* | 0.57 | |
| 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 Marian University, approximately 23% 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 6 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.