Chemistry at Saint Francis University

Pennsylvania's chemistry programs cluster tightly around the mid-$40,000 range in first-year earnings, and Saint Francis appears positioned squarely in that mainstream. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates here likely start around $43,600—essentially matching both state and national medians for chemistry bachelor's degrees. That's solid grounding for a science career, though not the premium some families expect from a private university chemistry program.

The estimated $26,700 in debt translates to a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning borrowers would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary. This falls comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold and aligns closely with what chemistry majors typically carry at other Pennsylvania schools. The question becomes whether Saint Francis's smaller program size (which is why these figures are estimates rather than reported outcomes) offers advantages—like lab access, research opportunities, or professor relationships—that justify private tuition versus state school alternatives.

Chemistry majors who leverage their degree for graduate school, pharmacy programs, or specialized industry positions often see earnings accelerate significantly after that first year. If your student plans that trajectory and values a close-knit program, these estimates suggest reasonable financial footing. But if the goal is immediate strong earnings to justify private school costs, Pennsylvania's larger programs show similar outcomes with potentially lower sticker prices.