Chemistry at University of Georgia

The most striking aspect of UGA's chemistry program is the $31,893 starting salary—landing in just the 11th percentile nationally despite the university's strong reputation and competitive admissions. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift dramatically, even within Georgia this program sits at the 40th percentile, trailing Augusta University by over $16,000 in first-year earnings and falling below the state median.

The 37% earnings growth to $43,693 by year four shows graduates eventually reach competitive territory, but that slow start matters when you're carrying $19,493 in debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 is manageable compared to many programs, yet it's higher than the national chemistry median of $24,000 would suggest for a top state school. Chemistry majors at similar Georgia institutions—Kennesaw State, Georgia Southern—are out-earning UGA grads from day one, which raises questions about whether this particular program is preparing students for the highest-value career paths in the field.

Given the data limitations, this warrants a careful look at what UGA chemistry graduates actually do after graduation. If most are pursuing graduate school or research positions that depress initial earnings but lead to strong long-term outcomes, the trajectory makes sense. But if your student plans to work immediately after their bachelor's, Augusta or Kennesaw State appear to offer better entry points into industry roles.