Chemistry at Queens University of Charlotte

Based on comparable chemistry programs across North Carolina, first-year earnings around $36,000 combined with estimated debt near $25,000 suggests graduates might struggle more than they should. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 isn't catastrophic, but it reflects a program that appears to lag behind what top-performing NC schools deliver. East Carolina and NC State chemistry graduates earn roughly $11,000-$12,000 more in their first year—a substantial gap that compounds over time and makes debt repayment considerably easier.

The national picture amplifies this concern. Chemistry bachelor's graduates typically earn $42,581 nationally, meaning similar programs in North Carolina already trail the national median by about $6,300. Queens appears positioned at or below this state average, while charging debt levels that exceed North Carolina's typical $20,824 for chemistry programs. For a private university with a 68% admission rate and relatively strong SAT scores, these estimated outcomes don't suggest the kind of premium you'd hope to see justifying higher costs.

The practical reality: if your child is serious about chemistry and staying in North Carolina, public universities offer demonstrably better financial outcomes with lower debt burdens. Unless Queens provides specific career connections, research opportunities, or graduate school placement advantages that offset this earnings gap—details worth investigating directly with the department—the estimated numbers point toward more cost-effective alternatives for this major.