Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,349
56th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$25,751
7% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.59
Manageable
Sample Size
42
Adequate data

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

Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusOther chemistry programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 56th percentile of all chemistry bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (53 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus$43,349$55,606$25,7510.59
Cleveland State University$48,147$55,195$24,7440.51
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$47,387$62,319$23,7500.50
University of Akron Main Campus$44,970—$27,5000.61
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus$43,840$55,512$26,0000.59
Ohio University-Eastern Campus$43,349$55,606$25,7510.59
National Median$42,581—$24,0000.56

Other Chemistry Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Cleveland State University
Cleveland
$12,613$48,147$24,744
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$47,387$23,750
University of Akron Main Campus
Akron
$12,799$44,970$27,500
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bowling Green
$14,081$43,840$26,000
Ohio University-Eastern Campus
Saint Clairsville
$6,178$43,349$25,751

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.