Chemistry at Shawnee State University

A bachelor's in chemistry from Shawnee State carries an estimated $25,751 in debt—slightly above the national median for chemistry programs—while first-year earnings based on comparable Ohio programs suggest around $43,349. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 sits in manageable territory, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary. Chemistry degrees generally translate into practical employment outcomes, and these estimated figures align closely with both state and national norms for the field, suggesting the program follows typical patterns rather than standing out as either exceptional or problematic.

The challenge here is context. Chemistry programs at Ohio's larger research universities—Cincinnati, Cleveland State, Akron—report actual first-year earnings in the $44,000-$48,000 range, which helps validate these estimates but also shows the modest ceiling for bachelor's-level chemistry work in the state. Without reported data specific to Shawnee State's graduates, you're making assumptions based on peer institutions that may have different research facilities, industry connections, or graduate school pipelines. The 35% Pell grant rate suggests Shawnee serves many first-generation and lower-income students, who may face different post-graduation pathways than peers at flagship schools.

The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if your child plans to work in chemistry or pursue graduate education, but the lack of program-specific outcomes means you can't confirm whether Shawnee State's particular chemistry curriculum delivers on that promise. Request placement data directly from the department before committing.