Analysis
New Jersey's chemistry programs show considerable variation in outcomes, with graduates from top programs earning well into the $50,000s while others cluster around $45,000. Based on comparable chemistry programs in the state, NJCU graduates might expect first-year earnings around $45,000—right at the national median—with typical debt loads of $23,425. That's a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning roughly six months of gross salary to cover what students borrow.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Because this program's actual outcomes aren't reported (too few graduates for DOE publication requirements), you're working with estimates derived from six similar New Jersey programs. The state's top performers—Montclair and Rowan—produce graduates earning $10,000 more annually, suggesting that program selection matters significantly even within the same state. Whether NJCU's chemistry program produces outcomes closer to these leaders or falls below the state median is unknown.
For families considering this path, the estimated debt burden appears reasonable, but the earnings trajectory remains opaque. Chemistry bachelor's degrees typically require graduate school for stronger career prospects, so these first-year figures may understate long-term value. The real question is whether NJCU's program opens doors to quality graduate programs or jobs—information these estimates simply can't provide. If possible, contact the department directly for placement data on where recent graduates actually landed.
Where New Jersey City University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,971 | $44,949* | — | $23,425* | — | |
| $14,766 | $55,389* | — | $23,600* | 0.43 | |
| $15,700 | $53,607* | $70,580 | $27,000* | 0.50 | |
| $17,079 | $44,949* | $73,289 | $23,250* | 0.52 | |
| $17,239 | $44,949* | $73,289 | $23,250* | 0.52 | |
| $16,586 | $44,949* | $73,289 | $23,250* | 0.52 | |
| 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 New Jersey City University, approximately 52% 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 NJ. Actual outcomes may vary.