Chemistry at Rhode Island College

Rhode Island College chemistry graduates start modestly at $44,648 but see impressive earnings growth to $61,903 by year four—a 39% jump that outpaces most bachelor's degree paths. More importantly, they achieve this with just $13,867 in debt, less than half the national median for chemistry programs. That 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly four months of their starting salary, making this one of the most financially accessible chemistry degrees in the country.

Among Rhode Island's six chemistry programs, this one sits right at the state median for both earnings and debt. Nationally, it performs above average—66th percentile for earnings while charging significantly less than peer institutions. The combination matters: you're not sacrificing much in starting salary compared to more expensive programs, and the strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates are finding relevant chemistry work or graduate school opportunities.

The catch is the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked), which means a few outliers could skew these numbers. That said, the data pattern—low debt enabling career flexibility, followed by solid mid-career growth—aligns with what you'd expect from a regional public college serving a diverse student body. For families prioritizing affordability while keeping chemistry career doors open, this program delivers without the debt burden that often comes with science degrees.