Analysis
Based on comparable chemistry programs in Illinois, Trinity International's Bachelor's graduates can expect first-year earnings around $44,860βa figure that aligns closely with both the state and national medians for this degree. The estimated debt load of nearly $25,000 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56, which is manageable by most standards. Chemistry degrees typically provide decent early returns regardless of institution, and this program appears consistent with that pattern.
What's less certain is Trinity International's specific track record in placing chemistry graduates. With a 93% admission rate and only 33% of students receiving Pell grants, this is a selective Christian university serving a relatively advantaged student population. The small cohort size that prevented data reporting could signal either an intimate program with strong faculty attention or limited resources compared to larger state schools. Illinois offers strong chemistry programs at public universities like UIUC and SIU-Edwardsville that produce similar or better outcomesβUIUC graduates, for instance, earn about $47,000 their first year.
The financial picture here isn't alarming, but you're working with incomplete information about this specific program's outcomes. If your child is drawn to Trinity International's faith-based environment and smaller classes, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value. However, if chemistry career preparation is the priority and cost matters, comparing the actual facilities, research opportunities, and career services against Illinois's public options would be wise before committing.
Where Trinity International University-Illinois Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (47 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,320 | $44,860* | β | $24,994* | β | |
| $16,004 | $47,034* | $63,276 | $21,500* | 0.46 | |
| $12,922 | $46,659* | $57,878 | $25,000* | 0.54 | |
| $12,700 | $43,061* | $56,116 | $23,023* | 0.53 | |
| $14,952 | $31,980* | $57,236 | $27,000* | 0.84 | |
| National Median | β | $42,581* | β | $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 Trinity International University-Illinois, approximately 33% 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 IL. Actual outcomes may vary.