Chemistry at Union University

Comparable chemistry bachelor's programs in Tennessee suggest first-year earnings around $41,600, which aligns closely with both state and national medians for this field. With an estimated $25,000 in debt—slightly above Tennessee's typical $20,100 but in line with national chemistry programs—Union's debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 suggests manageable repayment. Programs at Tennessee's public universities report similar outcomes, from UT-Knoxville's $41,600 to Austin Peay's $42,500, indicating Union graduates should compete effectively in the same entry-level market.

The caveat here is meaningful: Union's actual outcomes aren't publicly available due to small cohort sizes, so these figures reflect what peer programs typically produce rather than Union-specific results. Chemistry bachelor's degrees generally lead to predictable career paths—lab technicians, quality control analysts, or stepping stones to graduate programs—where credentials matter more than institutional pedigree for entry-level positions. The estimated debt load represents roughly seven months of gross first-year income, which is reasonable for a science degree that opens doors to professional opportunities.

If your student is committed to chemistry and values Union's smaller class sizes and faith-based environment, this appears financially viable based on statewide patterns. However, recognize you're making this decision with less certainty than you'd have with larger programs that report actual data.