Analysis
A chemistry degree carrying $25,000 in debt typically offers solid financial footing, and Mount Mary's estimated outcomes align with that pattern. Based on comparable Wisconsin chemistry programs, graduates here can expect first-year earnings around $49,000—right at the state median and well above the $42,600 national benchmark. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 suggests manageable repayment, particularly for a field where laboratory skills and technical credentials can translate into steady employment.
What's less certain is how Mount Mary's specific program stacks up against the competition. The estimated earnings mirror what UW-Whitewater and UW-Madison chemistry graduates actually report, but without direct data from Mount Mary's graduates, it's unclear whether the university's smaller scale and 93% admission rate affect career placement. The school serves a high percentage of Pell-eligible students (58%), which speaks to accessibility, but raises questions about whether alumni networks and employer connections match those at larger research universities in the state.
For families considering this investment, the numbers suggest reasonable value if your student thrives in a small-college environment and can leverage internships or research opportunities effectively. The estimated debt burden won't be crushing, but verify what career support and industry connections Mount Mary actually provides—those factors matter more when the program's track record remains unconfirmed.
Where Mount Mary University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,390 | $48,895* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $9,277 | $50,659* | $54,532 | $23,250* | 0.46 | |
| $8,315 | $49,386* | — | $26,000* | 0.53 | |
| $8,250 | $48,903* | $54,746 | $25,250* | 0.52 | |
| $11,205 | $48,886* | $62,892 | $26,043* | 0.53 | |
| $36,500 | $45,188* | — | $27,000* | 0.60 | |
| 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 Mount Mary University, approximately 58% 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 WI. Actual outcomes may vary.