Analysis
Chemistry graduates from Michigan programs typically earn around $39,700 in their first year—slightly below the national median of $42,600 for this major. Northern Michigan's program lands right at this state average, with estimated earnings of $39,736, putting it in the middle of Michigan's chemistry programs but trailing the stronger performers like Grand Valley State ($46,496) and Eastern Michigan ($45,060) by about $6,000 annually.
The $25,500 debt load here is close to both the state and national medians for chemistry degrees, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64. That means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with about eight months of their first-year salary—a reasonable burden for a science degree. However, the relatively modest starting salary means these graduates aren't building wealth as quickly as their peers at Michigan's top programs, where the combination of higher earnings and similar debt creates more breathing room.
For families weighing this program, the key question is career trajectory. Chemistry bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate school, medical school, or specialized industry roles where earnings climb significantly. If your student plans to enter the workforce immediately, similar programs at Grand Valley or Eastern Michigan offer demonstrably higher starting salaries. If graduate school is the goal, Northern Michigan's lower cost of attendance (reflected in that below-median debt) might make it a smarter launching pad.
Where Northern Michigan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette | $13,304 | $39,736* | — | $25,500 | — |
 Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale | $14,628 | $46,496* | $51,621 | $25,000 | 0.54 |
 Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti | $15,510 | $45,060* | — | $22,300 | 0.49 |
 Kalamazoo CollegeKalamazoo | $58,764 | $39,940* | $75,833 | $27,000 | 0.68 |
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $39,531* | $49,494 | $28,481 | 0.72 |
 Wayne State UniversityDetroit | $14,297 | $35,813* | $33,275 | $21,590 | 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 Northern Michigan University, approximately 27% 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 MI. Actual outcomes may vary.