Analysis
A chemistry degree from Ohio University-Eastern offers something increasingly rare: steady upward momentum that actually accelerates after graduation. While the $43,349 starting salary lands at the median for both Ohio and the nation, earnings jump 28% to $55,606 by year four—suggesting graduates are successfully transitioning into laboratory positions or technical roles with real advancement potential. The debt burden of $25,751 is manageable, translating to just seven months of first-year income.
The 60th percentile ranking among Ohio chemistry programs tells an interesting story. Eastern Campus matches the state median exactly and sits within striking distance of larger flagships like Bowling Green and even Ohio University's Chillicothe campus. For a regional campus, this parity is notable—you're getting comparable outcomes to the main campuses without the premium price tag or competition. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests a small but stable program.
The real question is whether your child wants the hands-on lab work and technical career path this degree typically leads to. If they do, the numbers work: reasonable debt, solid earnings trajectory, and outcomes that hold up against better-known programs. Chemistry graduates here aren't striking it rich immediately, but they're building careers with clear progression—a practical return on a focused investment.
Where Ohio University-Eastern Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio University-Eastern 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-Eastern 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-Chillicothe 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-Eastern Campus, approximately 9% 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.