Analysis
New Jersey's chemistry bachelor's programs cluster tightly around $45,000 in first-year earnings, and NJIT—while lacking reported outcomes due to small graduate cohorts—sits within this same ecosystem. The estimated $23,425 debt burden derived from comparable New Jersey programs produces a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio, suggesting graduates could reasonably handle repayment on a starting salary in this range. What's interesting is that while some NJ schools report slightly higher outcomes (Montclair and Rowan graduates earn around $53,000-$55,000), NJIT's stronger academic profile—with an average SAT of 1336 versus the state average—hints at potential advantages not captured in these peer-based estimates.
The practical reality is straightforward: chemistry graduates entering industry, quality control, or lab roles can expect to earn slightly above the national median of $42,581, and peer programs suggest debt levels that won't overwhelm those earnings. However, many chemistry majors continue to graduate or professional school, which these first-year figures don't reflect. If your student plans to stop at the bachelor's level and work immediately, these numbers represent a solid if unspectacular return. If graduate school is the goal, the moderate debt gives them flexibility to continue their education without already carrying a crushing load.
Where New Jersey Institute of Technology 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,022 | $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 Institute of Technology, approximately 39% 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.