Chemistry at Roosevelt University

Chemistry graduates from similar Illinois programs typically earn around $44,860 in their first year, putting Roosevelt's estimated outcomes right at the state median. With debt projections near $25,000—slightly above the state median but close to the national benchmark—the program suggests a manageable financial commitment with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56.

What's worth noting is how this compares to Illinois flagship programs. While University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign chemistry grads earn about $47,000, that $2,000 gap is modest, and Roosevelt's lower admission barriers (94% acceptance rate) may provide access for students who wouldn't qualify elsewhere. Chemistry degrees generally translate to practical career paths in labs, quality control, and pharmaceutical settings where entry-level salaries are relatively stable across institutions.

The challenge here is that these estimates are drawn from peer programs, not Roosevelt's actual graduate outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about whether this specific program delivers similar results. Given the school serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (46%), success likely depends on completing the degree without excess borrowing and leveraging Chicago's biotech and healthcare sectors for job placement. If your child can graduate near the projected debt level, the numbers suggest reasonable financial footing for launching a chemistry career.