Chemistry at The College of Idaho

Chemistry programs in Idaho typically produce first-year earnings around $39,000, but similar programs nationally suggest graduates might earn closer to $43,000—putting this program potentially above the state baseline. However, both the earnings and debt figures here are estimates drawn from peer institutions, not actual outcomes from College of Idaho graduates, so there's meaningful uncertainty about what this specific program delivers.

The estimated debt of roughly $25,000 against projected earnings of $43,000 yields a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59—manageable by most standards. That's less than seven months of gross income, which typically allows graduates to service loans while building their careers. Chemistry degrees often lead to lab technician roles, quality control positions, or graduate school preparation, where early salaries can feel modest but career trajectories improve with experience or additional credentials.

The challenge here is that you're making a decision with incomplete information. The College of Idaho's selectivity (47% admission rate, 1166 average SAT) and limited Pell enrollment suggest a different student population than larger state universities. Whether that translates to better job placement, stronger research opportunities, or simply a different experience is impossible to know from the available data. If your child is serious about chemistry, ask the school directly about recent graduate outcomes, lab access, and graduate school acceptance rates—those details matter more than estimates borrowed from other programs.