Analysis
A chemistry degree with an estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 sits right at the threshold of what financial advisors consider manageable, though the fuller picture requires acknowledging what we don't know. Similar bachelor's programs in Texas suggest first-year earnings around $41,800—essentially matching the state median—while debt projections from comparable programs at TWU indicate roughly $20,800 at graduation. That's about $3,200 less than the typical chemistry graduate carries nationally, which matters when monthly payments begin.
The challenge is that Texas Woman's University serves a different population than the state's research flagships—40% of students receive Pell grants—and chemistry graduates from UT Austin, Texas A&M, and University of Houston report starting salaries $7,000 to $9,000 higher. Whether TWU's program produces similar outcomes or follows different patterns remains unclear given the suppressed data. Chemistry typically offers strong career prospects, but the gap between peer institutions and what's projected here suggests outcomes may vary significantly by program.
For parents evaluating this specifically, the estimated numbers suggest a workable financial scenario if earnings materialize near projections. But you're making this decision with limited visibility into how TWU chemistry graduates actually fare. If your child has options at programs with reported outcomes—particularly Texas A&M or UT Dallas given their stronger earnings data—those might warrant serious consideration for the transparency alone.
Where Texas Woman's University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (63 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,648 | $41,799* | — | $20,791* | — | |
| $9,711 | $50,717* | $66,725 | $12,000* | 0.24 | |
| $13,099 | $49,462* | $66,584 | $19,500* | 0.39 | |
| $14,564 | $48,783* | — | $20,747* | 0.43 | |
| $9,228 | $43,940* | $51,532 | $28,775* | 0.65 | |
| $11,678 | $43,383* | $58,652 | $18,500* | 0.43 | |
| 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 Texas Woman's University, approximately 40% 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 median of 12 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.