Chemistry at University of Alabama at Birmingham

Chemistry graduates from UAB start their careers earning about $34,000—roughly $8,000 below Alabama's median for chemistry programs and $9,000 below the national average. This places them in just the 25th percentile statewide, meaning three-quarters of Alabama chemistry programs produce better initial earnings. For reference, University of North Alabama chemistry graduates earn nearly $50,000 in their first year. The debt load of $26,000 isn't alarming on its own, but paired with these modest earnings, it creates a debt-to-income ratio that's workable though not impressive.

The numbers here come from fewer than 30 graduates, which means they could swing considerably year-to-year and may not represent the full picture. UAB is a research university with strong health sciences programs, and some chemistry majors may pursue graduate school or medical school rather than immediate employment, which could depress these first-year figures.

For a student planning to work immediately after graduation with a bachelor's in chemistry, these outcomes suggest looking carefully at alternatives within Alabama. If your child is committed to UAB—perhaps for its location in Birmingham or connection to the medical center—understanding the career trajectory beyond year one becomes essential, since this data only captures the starting point.