Chemistry at Saint Xavier University

Based on comparable chemistry programs in Illinois, this degree points to first-year earnings around $44,860—solidly in the middle of the pack statewide and just above the national median. The estimated debt load of roughly $25,000 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56, meaning your graduate would owe about half their first-year salary. That's reasonable for a STEM degree, though it's worth noting that chemistry bachelor's graduates often need additional credentials (master's or PhD) to reach higher earning tiers in the field.

What we don't know is how Saint Xavier's specific outcomes compare to state flagship programs like UI Urbana-Champaign, where chemistry grads start around $47,000, or whether the school's network and research opportunities match those of larger universities. With 56% of students receiving Pell grants, Saint Xavier serves a population that particularly needs clear financial returns. The estimation here—drawn from peer programs statewide—suggests neither a standout opportunity nor a financial red flag, but rather a conventional path into entry-level chemistry work.

If your child plans to stop at a bachelor's, investigate what kinds of jobs these chemistry grads actually land and whether those align with career goals. The numbers suggest viability, but chemistry is a field where graduate school often determines earning potential, making that initial debt load an important consideration for the total investment ahead.