Chemistry at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

The $22,365 median debt falls right at Colorado's benchmark for chemistry programs, but the real story emerges in the earnings trajectory. Similar chemistry programs in Colorado suggest first-year earnings around $38,500—about $4,000 below the national median for this field. That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, meaning graduates would carry debt equivalent to roughly seven months of their starting salary.

The four-year earnings figure of $69,200 shows substantial income growth, jumping nearly 80% from that initial estimate. This pattern aligns with chemistry careers that often require additional training or certification before reaching full earning potential. Compare this to programs at Colorado State ($42,660 first-year) or University of Northern Colorado ($45,406 first-year), where graduates appear to start stronger out of the gate. UCD Anschutz's graduates eventually reach competitive salaries, but that slower start matters for loan repayment planning.

For families, the modest debt load works in your favor—it's manageable even with lower initial earnings. However, the gap between estimated starting salary and what peer programs achieve suggests your student might need a financial cushion for those first few years. If your child plans graduate work in chemistry or related health sciences, UCD Anschutz's medical campus connection could offset the slower earnings start. If they're aiming to work immediately after the bachelor's degree, programs showing stronger first-year outcomes might deliver faster financial independence.