Analysis
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.
Where University of Central Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Central Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Central FloridaOrlando | $6,368 | $43,634 | — | $19,706 | 0.45 |
 Florida State UniversityTallahassee | $5,656 | $40,629 | $53,528 | $23,000 | 0.57 |
 Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton | $4,879 | $35,015 | $38,316 | $25,000 | 0.71 |
 University of North FloridaJacksonville | $6,389 | $31,663 | — | $20,162 | 0.64 |
 University of South FloridaTampa | $6,410 | $29,399 | $43,755 | $16,013 | 0.54 |
 Florida International UniversityMiami | $6,565 | $28,660 | $60,274 | $15,750 | 0.55 |
| 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 University of Central Florida, approximately 33% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.