Analysis
Chemistry graduates from Tennessee programs typically earn around $41,600 in their first year—putting Tusculum's estimated outcomes right in line with state norms and close to the national median of $42,600. With estimated debt of roughly $25,000, this program appears to track similarly to other bachelor's-level chemistry programs across the country, where debt typically hovers around $24,000.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 suggests manageable repayment under standard terms, though it's worth noting that Tennessee programs serving similar student populations often report lower debt loads—the state median sits at $20,100. Given that 45% of Tusculum students receive Pell grants, understanding the full financial aid picture becomes especially important for families considering this investment.
What matters most here is that chemistry bachelor's degrees generally offer solid launching points for graduate study or entry-level lab positions, but career advancement and earnings growth often depend heavily on what comes next—whether that's additional credentials, industry certifications, or specific career paths like pharmaceutical sales versus research. The estimated figures suggest this program won't saddle graduates with crushing debt relative to their starting earnings, but families should verify actual costs and financial aid packages specific to their situation, especially since outcomes can vary significantly based on post-graduation choices in this field.
Where Tusculum University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (34 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,500 | $41,589* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $8,675 | $42,475* | — | $20,500* | 0.48 | |
| $13,484 | $41,589* | $44,354 | $19,500* | 0.47 | |
| $10,144 | $41,588* | — | $24,999* | 0.60 | |
| $10,344 | $36,881* | $50,076 | $20,000* | 0.54 | |
| 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 Tusculum University, approximately 45% 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 TN. Actual outcomes may vary.