Chemistry at Texas Tech University

Texas Tech's chemistry program starts rough but recovers significantly—graduates earn just $31,573 in their first year, ranking in only the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among Texas chemistry programs. That's about $10,000 below the Texas median and well behind programs at UT Austin ($43,383) and Texas A&M ($49,462). However, earnings nearly double by year four to $59,067, suggesting many graduates pursue additional training, work in low-paying internships initially, or take time finding appropriate positions in the field.

The $27,243 debt burden is actually higher than both state and national medians, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 remains manageable. The real question is whether families can weather that difficult first year—many chemistry graduates need graduate school or specialized training to access higher-paying roles, which may explain the weak initial placement. By year four, those who've found their footing are earning competitively.

For families banking on immediate post-graduation income to service loans, this program requires careful consideration. If your student plans on graduate school or can afford a lean first year while building credentials, the trajectory improves substantially. But if immediate earnings matter—say, for loan repayment or family contributions—stronger alternatives exist within Texas's public university system.