Analysis
NC State's chemistry program demonstrates exceptional in-state value, placing graduates in the top 20% of North Carolina chemistry programs with first-year earnings of $47,071—nearly $11,000 above the state median. This performance matches East Carolina's outcomes while offering the resources and recognition of a Research I university. At the 81st percentile nationally, these graduates earn more than three-quarters of chemistry majors across the country.
The $20,154 median debt sits just below North Carolina's program average and represents less than half a year's salary, creating a manageable financial foundation for recent graduates. This debt level is particularly reasonable given NC State's 40% admission rate and strong academic profile (1380 average SAT), suggesting the program balances selectivity with accessibility. Chemistry graduates typically pursue graduate school or technical roles where earnings grow substantially, making this initial debt-to-income ratio sustainable.
For North Carolina families, this program delivers top-tier chemistry education without the premium debt load of more expensive institutions. The combination of strong starting salaries, below-average debt, and NC State's established reputation in STEM fields makes this a solid choice for students serious about chemistry careers, whether in industry, research, or further graduate study.
Where North Carolina State University at Raleigh Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How North Carolina State University at Raleigh graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh | $8,895 | $47,071 | — | $20,154 | 0.43 |
 East Carolina UniversityGreenville | $7,361 | $47,875 | $55,980 | $24,250 | 0.51 |
 University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington | $7,317 | $44,473 | $53,767 | $19,935 | 0.45 |
 Appalachian State UniversityBoone | $7,541 | $40,488 | $51,055 | $24,949 | 0.62 |
 University of North Carolina AshevilleAsheville | $7,461 | $36,891 | $43,113 | $12,825 | 0.35 |
 University of North Carolina at PembrokePembroke | $3,571 | $35,579 | $44,784 | $25,766 | 0.72 |
| 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh, approximately 19% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 36 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.