Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 suggests a manageable financial start for this chemistry degree, though that assessment relies entirely on national benchmarks rather than Newman's own graduate outcomes. Similar bachelor's programs in chemistry across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $42,600 with roughly $25,000 in debt—figures that track closely with what nearby Kansas schools like Fort Hays State and Wichita State actually report for their chemistry graduates.
The challenge is uncertainty. Newman's small cohort sizes mean we don't know whether their graduates command Kansas's typical $44,000 starting salary or fall below it, nor whether their debt loads stay near the state's $26,000 median. Chemistry degrees generally offer solid career prospects—lab work, pharmaceuticals, quality control—but without program-specific data, you're essentially betting that Newman's outcomes align with national norms. At a school where just 12% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting a wealthier student body overall, debt burdens may matter less for many families than graduate success rates.
If your child is set on chemistry at Newman specifically—perhaps for location, class size, or campus culture—the estimated numbers don't flash warning signs. But if finances are tight, programs at Fort Hays or Wichita State offer reported outcomes that confirm competitive earnings without surprises. Newman might deliver identical results; you just won't know until after enrollment.
Where Newman University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,500 | $42,581* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $5,633 | $44,261* | $42,980 | $31,000* | 0.70 | |
| $9,322 | $43,740* | $41,713 | $26,000* | 0.59 | |
| 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 Newman University, approximately 12% 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 national median of 205 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.