Chemistry at University of Illinois Springfield

Based on comparable Chemistry programs in Illinois, UIS appears to hit the sweet spot of manageable debt paired with solid science earnings. The estimated $23,023 in debt sits below both state and national medians for Chemistry degrees, while projected first-year earnings of $44,860 align closely with what other Illinois programs deliver. That 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably pay down their loans while launching their careers—a meaningful advantage when some science programs saddle students with debt approaching a full year's salary.

The caveat: these figures come from peer programs rather than UIS's own graduates, so there's inherent uncertainty here. Still, the university's 84% admission rate and significant Pell enrollment (36%) suggest an accessible path to a Chemistry degree without the premium pricing of more selective schools. Similar programs across Illinois show a wide range—from Western Illinois's $31,980 to UIUC's $47,034—but most cluster near UIS's projected outcome.

For families concerned about ROI, this estimated profile suggests reasonable value: lower debt than typical Chemistry programs, earnings that track with state norms, and a credential from an established state institution. The unknown is whether UIS's specific program performs at, above, or below these comparable benchmarks—something worth investigating through placement rates and employer connections before committing.