Chemistry at Stevenson University

Chemistry graduates from comparable Maryland programs typically earn around $48,000 in their first year—putting Stevenson's estimates right at the state median and notably above the national benchmark of $42,600. The estimated debt load of roughly $25,000 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, meaning your child would owe about half their first-year salary. For STEM degrees, this is generally considered reasonable territory.

What's worth noting is the range among Maryland's chemistry programs. While peer institutions like Towson and Salisbury report earnings in the low $50,000s, others fall into the mid-$40,000s—and Stevenson's estimates land squarely in the middle of this pack. The chemistry job market in Maryland appears fairly robust, likely buoyed by proximity to federal research facilities, biotech corridors, and healthcare institutions. The estimated debt here is slightly higher than Maryland's median for chemistry programs ($21,200) but tracks with the national average.

The practical reality: if these estimates hold, your child would face a debt payment around 5-6% of their gross monthly income, which leaves breathing room for other expenses while building career momentum. Chemistry degrees tend to offer clear pathways into lab work, quality control, research positions, or graduate studies. Just recognize that without actual data from Stevenson's specific graduates, you're making this decision based on how similar programs have performed rather than a proven track record for this particular chemistry program.