Analysis
Based on comparable chemistry programs in Minnesota, Saint Scholastica graduates can expect around $46,000 in first-year earnings with roughly $26,000 in debt—a manageable 0.56 ratio that falls right in line with the state median. These estimates align closely with actual outcomes from similar Minnesota programs, where chemistry grads typically earn between $44,000 and $50,000 their first year out. The debt load here appears reasonable for a private college chemistry degree, sitting near both state and national norms.
What matters most is whether this particular program provides the lab experience and professional connections that translate estimated potential into actual opportunities. Chemistry programs can vary significantly in their focus—some emphasize pre-med preparation, others industrial applications or research—and those distinctions often matter more for employment outcomes than the credential itself. The school's high admission rate and modest test scores suggest it may not be as selective about incoming students, which could affect peer networks and post-graduation placement support.
For parents weighing this investment, the debt-to-earnings estimate suggests financial viability, but you'll want to verify what happens to Saint Scholastica chemistry graduates specifically: where they work, whether they pursue graduate degrees, and how quickly they land relevant positions. The estimated figures indicate this program shouldn't create unmanageable debt, but they can't tell you if it opens the doors your student needs.
Where The College of Saint Scholastica Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,454 | $46,063* | — | $25,945* | — | |
| $48,311 | $50,007* | — | —* | — | |
| $16,488 | $47,451* | $64,031 | $21,158* | 0.45 | |
| $14,318 | $44,674* | $66,981 | $22,500* | 0.50 | |
| $56,970 | $44,020* | $57,761 | $24,988* | 0.57 | |
| 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 The College of Saint Scholastica, approximately 23% 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 4 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.