Analysis
Based on comparable chemistry programs across Ohio, Notre Dame College appears to offer straightforward value for students interested in science careers. The estimated first-year earnings of $43,349 align closely with both the state and national median for chemistry bachelor's degrees, suggesting graduates should find similar employment opportunities as their peers from larger public universities in the region.
The estimated debt load of $27,000 is manageable given these earnings projections—slightly above the state median but resulting in a healthy debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62. This means graduates would owe roughly seven months' salary, which should be serviceable on a typical chemistry career trajectory. With nearly 40% of students receiving Pell grants, the college serves a significant population of students who might find this debt level reasonable for entering a technical field.
The uncertainty here comes from limited graduate data rather than red flags about the program itself. Similar chemistry programs in Ohio, from Cleveland State to Bowling Green, produce remarkably consistent outcomes in the $43,000-$48,000 range. If your child is drawn to Notre Dame's smaller college environment and chemistry curriculum, the estimated financial picture suggests it could compete reasonably with larger state schools—though without actual placement data, you'll want to dig deeper into the program's lab facilities, faculty credentials, and industry connections before committing.
Where Notre Dame College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (53 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,606 | $43,349* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $12,613 | $48,147* | $55,195 | $24,744* | 0.51 | |
| $13,570 | $47,387* | $62,319 | $23,750* | 0.50 | |
| $12,799 | $44,970* | — | $27,500* | 0.61 | |
| $14,081 | $43,840* | $55,512 | $26,000* | 0.59 | |
| $6,178 | $43,349* | $55,606 | $25,751* | 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 Notre Dame College, 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 13 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.