Analysis
Four comparable chemistry programs in Missouri suggest first-year earnings around $40,400, which tracks closely with the $42,600 national median for bachelor's chemists. Combined with estimated debt of roughly $25,000—again, based on similar programs nationally—this produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62. That's solid footing for a science degree, though it's worth noting that Missouri's flagship program in Columbia reports starting salaries about $5,000 higher.
The估 estimates here matter because chemistry outcomes can vary significantly based on factors like lab infrastructure, research opportunities, and employer connections—details that reported data would reveal but estimates can't capture. Park serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (39%), which often correlates with strong support systems, but without this program's actual graduate outcomes, you're making assumptions based on what happens elsewhere in the state and nationally.
Given the reasonable debt load and competitive estimated earnings, this program appears viable if your student is committed to chemistry and Park offers specific advantages like location or flexibility. However, before committing, directly ask Park about their chemistry graduates' actual job placement rates and typical employers—information that should exist even when federal data is suppressed for privacy reasons.
Where Park University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (32 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $16,400 | $40,446* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $14,130 | $45,279* | — | $20,500* | 0.45 | |
| $9,024 | $41,166* | $52,668 | $23,750* | 0.58 | |
| $11,988 | $39,725* | $47,533 | $24,821* | 0.62 | |
| $10,181 | $39,478* | — | $24,884* | 0.63 | |
| 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 Park 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 median of 4 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.