Chemistry at Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State's chemistry program delivers something rare: substantially lower debt than typical Texas chemistry programs while maintaining solid earning potential. At $28,775, graduates carry about $7,000 less debt than the state median, yet their first-year earnings of $43,940 exceed both state and national benchmarks. That translates to a manageable 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio—well below the concerning 1.0 threshold many financial experts warn about.

The earnings trajectory shows steady professional growth, with graduates reaching $51,532 by year four (a 17% increase). While this doesn't match flagship programs like UT Austin or Texas A&M initially, SHSU graduates are building competitive careers without the debt burden. Among 63 Texas chemistry programs, this one ranks solidly in the middle for earnings but near the top for affordability—a combination that matters more than rankings alone suggest.

For a family evaluating chemistry programs in Texas, this represents a practical path into a STEM field. The 40% Pell Grant population suggests the school understands financial accessibility, and the outcomes back that up. Your child won't carry debt loads that limit their career flexibility early on, whether they're heading to graduate school, industry jobs, or teaching positions.