Chemistry at Rowan University

Rowan University's chemistry program punches well above its weight. With first-year earnings of $53,607 climbing to $70,580 by year four, graduates are earning more than nearly any other chemistry program in the country—95th percentile nationally. The $27,000 debt load translates to just six months of first-year salary, one of the lowest debt burdens you'll find for any bachelor's degree.

Here's the interesting wrinkle: while this program dominates nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile within New Jersey. That's not a weakness—it reflects how competitive New Jersey's chemistry job market is. Rowan actually outperforms Montclair State ($55,389) within a year and significantly outpaces the entire Rutgers system. The 32% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are securing positions with real advancement potential, likely in the state's pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing sectors.

For an institution with a 78% admission rate, these outcomes are exceptional. The modest debt combined with strong earnings growth makes this a rare find: an accessible program delivering outcomes that rival selective universities. If your child is interested in chemistry and can get in-state tuition, this represents outstanding value.