Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 suggests a manageable financial outcome, though both figures come from national benchmarks rather than this specific program's graduates. Chemistry degrees typically command decent starting salaries, and peer programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $42,600—enough to service roughly $23,700 in debt without excessive strain. Louisiana's chemistry programs cluster tightly around this national median, with reported outcomes at UL Lafayette and Louisiana Tech landing in nearly identical territory.
What makes this estimate more than a shot in the dark is the consistency across chemistry programs. Unlike fields where outcomes swing wildly between schools, bachelor's-level chemistry tends to funnel graduates toward similar entry points—research assistant positions, quality control roles, or positions in chemical manufacturing that pay within a narrow band. The 94% admission rate and modest SAT profile don't appear to dramatically alter this pattern, at least based on how peer programs perform.
The practical reality: you're looking at monthly loan payments around $240-270 on a $42,000 salary, which should be workable if your child lands typical chemistry employment. The risk isn't catastrophic debt but rather whether this particular program successfully connects graduates to those chemistry jobs—something the suppressed data prevents us from verifying. Before committing, confirm the school's lab facilities are current and ask specifically about placement rates in chemistry-related positions versus general employment.
Where Southeastern Louisiana University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,373 | $42,581* | — | $23,675* | — | |
| $10,418 | $42,715* | — | —* | — | |
| $10,125 | $42,572* | — | $27,000* | 0.63 | |
| 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 Southeastern Louisiana University, approximately 33% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 205 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.