Chemistry at Salisbury University

Salisbury University's chemistry graduates earn $50,169 their first year out—substantially above the national median of $42,581 and placing this program in the 95th percentile nationally. However, the state context tells a more nuanced story: Maryland has particularly strong chemistry programs, and Salisbury's outcomes land near the state median, trailing schools like Towson ($52,765) and UMD-College Park ($46,140). Still, at $27,000 in median debt versus Maryland's typical $21,238, students here are borrowing more for middle-of-the-pack Maryland outcomes.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54 is manageable—graduates owe about half their first-year salary—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year. Chemistry is a field where graduate education often matters, so strong undergrad preparation paired with reasonable debt could position students well for advanced degrees.

For Maryland families, this represents solid preparation at a debt level that won't crush career flexibility, though you're not getting the same earnings trajectory as top Maryland programs. If your student is admitted to Towson or UMD with similar aid packages, those would likely offer better returns. If Salisbury offers significantly more aid or your student values its smaller environment, the outcomes here are strong enough nationally to justify the choice.