Analysis
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.
Where Sam Houston State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Sam Houston State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Houston State University | $43,940 | $51,532 | +17% |
| Texas State University | $42,897 | $70,396 | +64% |
| University of Houston | $50,717 | $66,725 | +32% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $49,462 | $66,584 | +35% |
| Texas Tech University | $31,573 | $59,067 | +87% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (63 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville | $9,228 | $43,940 | $51,532 | $28,775 | 0.65 |
 University of HoustonHouston | $9,711 | $50,717 | $66,725 | $12,000 | 0.24 |
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $49,462 | $66,584 | $19,500 | 0.39 |
 The University of Texas at DallasRichardson | $14,564 | $48,783 | — | $20,747 | 0.43 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $43,383 | $58,652 | $18,500 | 0.43 |
 Texas State UniversitySan Marcos | $11,450 | $42,897 | $70,396 | $27,500 | 0.64 |
| National Median | — | $42,581 | — | $24,000 | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with chemistry graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chemists
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Sam Houston State University, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 34 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.