Chemistry at Oakland University

A $39,700 first-year salary with $23,650 in debt places Oakland's chemistry program right at Michigan's median for both metrics—which tells us this is squarely in the middle of what chemistry bachelor's programs deliver statewide. Based on comparable Michigan programs, that debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 is manageable territory, though the estimated earnings trail the $42,600 national median by about $3,000.

The more revealing comparison comes from looking at peer Michigan schools with reported outcomes. Programs at Grand Valley State and Eastern Michigan produce starting salaries in the mid-$40,000s—roughly $6,000 higher than Oakland's estimated range. That gap matters when you're calculating monthly loan payments and rent. Oakland's 70% admission rate and middle-of-the-road SAT scores suggest it's serving a broader student population than some competitors, which may explain why outcomes cluster near the state median rather than pushing toward the top quartile.

For parents weighing this investment, the estimated figures suggest a viable but unremarkable path. Chemistry degrees typically open doors to lab work, quality control roles, and graduate school—fields where credentials matter and starting pay improves with specialization. The debt load won't be crushing, but don't expect standout early earnings unless your student pursues additional credentials or lands in a particularly strong industry niche.