Analysis
Trine's chemistry bachelor's appears positioned right at the middle of what Indiana schools typically produce—comparable programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $42,580. With estimated debt near $25,000, graduates would be looking at a debt burden of about 59% of their first-year salary, which falls into manageable territory by most conventional standards. A chemistry degree from a smaller institution like Trine may not command the premium of Purdue's graduates ($47,213), but the estimated outcomes align closely with what Indiana University and Ball State chemistry majors earn.
The limited sample size that necessitated these estimates cuts both ways. On one hand, it means fewer data points to assess Trine's specific track record in placing chemistry graduates. On the other, it suggests this is a smaller program that might offer more individualized attention—something worth investigating if your student thrives in that environment. The relatively low Pell grant enrollment (16%) indicates a more affluent student body, which could signal better networking opportunities or simply higher family resources to supplement early career earnings.
Given the uncertainty around these estimates, the key question is whether Trine offers something distinctive—lab facilities, faculty mentorship, or industry connections—that justifies choosing it over state universities with documented outcomes in the same earnings range but potentially lower costs for in-state students.
Where Trine University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (36 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,600 | $42,580* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $9,992 | $47,213* | $48,715 | $19,500* | 0.41 | |
| $11,790 | $42,889* | $59,000 | $17,000* | 0.40 | |
| $10,758 | $42,677* | $42,387 | $25,000* | 0.59 | |
| $10,449 | $42,482* | $52,352 | $21,902* | 0.52 | |
| $36,136 | $40,612* | — | $23,214* | 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 Trine University, approximately 16% 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 6 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.