Chemistry at University of Dubuque

A chemistry bachelor's degree from University of Dubuque carries an estimated debt load of $25,000—slightly above the national median for chemistry programs—while peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $42,600. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 sits in reasonable territory, though it's worth noting that Iowa's flagship universities report actual earnings closer to $44,000-$45,000 for their chemistry graduates, suggesting Dubuque's outcomes may lag behind the state's larger research institutions by a modest margin.

The 87% admission rate and moderate SAT scores indicate this is an accessible path into chemistry for students who might not gain entry to Iowa's more selective programs. With 40% of students receiving Pell grants, the school clearly serves working- and middle-class families, making that $25,000 debt estimate particularly relevant—it's manageable, but not trivial. Chemistry degrees typically open doors to lab work, quality control positions, and graduate school pathways, all of which can justify this investment if your child is genuinely committed to the field.

The uncertainty here matters: without actual graduate outcomes, you're banking on Dubuque delivering results similar to the typical chemistry program nationwide. If your child thrives in smaller settings and needs the accessibility this school provides, the estimated numbers suggest a workable investment. But if they can gain admission to Iowa or Iowa State, those schools' reported outcomes show a clearer track record in this field.