Chemistry at Tabor College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 suggests borrowers finishing this program would owe roughly seven months' gross salary—manageable territory for a STEM field. Peer chemistry programs nationally carry median debt of $24,000, and Tabor's estimated $24,994 sits just above that line. First-year earnings around $42,600, based on comparable bachelor's chemistry programs nationwide, fall near the national median but trail the Kansas state average of $44,000 by about $1,400.

The caution here is that we're working entirely with estimates drawn from peer institutions, not actual outcomes from Tabor graduates. Similar programs at Kansas public universities—Fort Hays and Wichita State—report first-year earnings in the $43,700-$44,300 range with actual data. Chemistry degrees typically open doors to lab work, quality control positions, or further graduate study, but starting salaries can vary significantly based on industry and geography. A small private college in rural Kansas may not provide the same recruitment pipelines or research infrastructure as larger state schools.

If your student is committed to chemistry and values Tabor's environment, the estimated debt burden doesn't look prohibitive. But understand you're betting on outcomes that mirror national patterns rather than this school's proven track record. Consider whether Tabor offers the lab facilities, faculty connections, and internship opportunities that would justify choosing it over Kansas public options with similar costs and documented results.