Chemistry at University of California-Riverside

UC Riverside's chemistry program produces earnings that trail both the state median ($43,766) and top California programs—sometimes by substantial margins. Berkeley chemistry grads earn $20,000 more in year one, but even nearby Cal State campuses like Long Beach and San Marcos produce noticeably higher outcomes. At the 40th percentile among California chemistry programs, this ranks in the bottom half despite being a UC campus, where families might expect stronger returns.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $21,750, it's higher than the California median but still manageable relative to first-year earnings. The 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable for STEM, and earnings do grow 15% to $45,718 by year four—decent momentum that suggests graduates are finding their footing in the job market. The university's accessibility (47% receive Pell grants) means many students here are securing a UC education at a cost that won't overwhelm their early-career salaries.

For families expecting UC-level outcomes, these numbers warrant attention. This program delivers solid fundamentals—manageable debt, positive earnings growth, and the UC credential—but not the salary advantage typically associated with the system's brand. If cost is similar to higher-performing Cal State programs or other UCs, those alternatives merit serious consideration. If the UC-Riverside price tag comes with substantial aid, it becomes more defensible as a pathway to chemistry careers.