Analysis
Ohio University-Chillicothe's chemistry program stands out for its unusually strong earnings trajectory, with graduates seeing their income jump 28% within just four years—from $43,349 to $55,606. That kind of growth is rare and suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into higher-paying technical roles or advancing quickly in their early careers. The starting salary matches Ohio's median for chemistry programs, and with relatively modest debt at $25,751, the initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 is quite manageable.
The program's placement in the 60th percentile among Ohio chemistry programs is respectable, though it trails the state's top performers like Cleveland State and Cincinnati by a few thousand dollars at the starting line. However, that gap likely narrows considerably given this program's exceptional earnings growth rate. The low debt burden—in the 30th percentile nationally—means graduates aren't sacrificing their financial flexibility even if they start slightly behind peers at flagship institutions.
For parents weighing this option, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings growth creates a solid value proposition, particularly if in-state tuition makes this program more affordable than alternatives. The steady career progression shown by graduates suggests the degree opens doors to meaningful opportunities in the chemical sciences or related industries.
Where Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus | $43,349 | $55,606 | +28% |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $47,387 | $62,319 | +32% |
| Kent State University at Kent | $39,790 | $59,546 | +50% |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $43,349 | $55,606 | +28% |
| Ohio University-Southern Campus | $43,349 | $55,606 | +28% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $43,349 | $55,606 | $25,751 | 0.59 | |
| $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 Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus, approximately 16% 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 42 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.