Analysis
With estimated first-year earnings of $42,581 and projected debt around $25,000, this chemistry program appears positioned well above Oklahoma's state median of $31,419. That $11,000 earnings advantage over peer programs in the state translates to meaningful early-career income, though it's worth noting these figures come from national and institutional patterns rather than tracked outcomes for Oklahoma Wesleyan's specific graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 suggests manageable repayment—graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary. Chemistry bachelor's programs nationally cluster tightly around $42,000-$46,000 in starting pay, so the estimated earnings here track with what similar programs typically produce. Oklahoma Wesleyan serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (39%), which means the $25,000 debt estimate may be conservative for students without significant family financial support.
The key question is whether these estimates hold for a smaller program that didn't generate reportable outcomes data. If Oklahoma Wesleyan's chemistry graduates do achieve earnings comparable to the national median while keeping debt near institutional averages, the value proposition looks solid for Oklahoma students. But parents should recognize they're making this decision based on what similar programs accomplish elsewhere, not verified outcomes from this specific school's track record.
Where Oklahoma Wesleyan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $31,466 | $42,581* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $9,595 | $31,419* | — | $20,250* | 0.64 | |
| 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 Oklahoma Wesleyan University, 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 national median of 205 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.