Chemistry at University of Central Florida

UCF chemistry graduates earn nearly $12,000 more in their first year than the typical Florida chemistry graduate—a significant premium that places this program in the 80th percentile statewide. That's particularly notable given Orlando's reasonable cost of living and UCF's accessible tuition structure. The $43,634 starting salary edges above the national median as well, meaning graduates aren't sacrificing earning potential by staying in-state.

The debt picture looks manageable at just under $20,000, translating to a 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's roughly equivalent to borrowing half a year's salary—a reasonable tradeoff for a four-year degree. Among Florida's major chemistry programs, UCF trails only Florida State in first-year earnings, which is impressive for a university with a 40% acceptance rate and strong Pell Grant enrollment.

The caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so these numbers could shift with a larger cohort. But the pattern is clear enough—UCF chemistry graduates are outperforming most of their in-state peers right out of the gate. For Florida families looking at chemistry programs, this represents strong regional value without the uncertainty of out-of-state costs.