Analysis
A chemistry degree from UL Lafayette appears to position graduates right in the middle of the national pack, with first-year earnings of $42,715 landing just above the national median of $42,581. While debt figures for this specific program aren't available due to small sample sizes, peer bachelor's programs at UL Lafayette typically produce an estimated $23,675 in debt—meaningfully lower than both the $24,000 national median for chemistry degrees and the $27,000 state median. That lighter debt load matters when you're starting at roughly median earnings.
Within Louisiana's chemistry landscape, UL Lafayette graduates earn slightly above the state median of $42,644 and essentially match Louisiana Tech's reported outcomes of $42,572. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 suggests manageable repayment: with typical loan terms, monthly payments would consume about 6% of gross monthly income. For a STEM degree at a school serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students (39%), these numbers reflect reasonable accessibility without sacrificing earning potential.
The practical takeaway: UL Lafayette's chemistry program delivers competitive Louisiana outcomes at what appears to be a lower price point than state peers. The middle-of-the-pack earnings are offset by below-average debt, creating a viable pathway into chemistry careers. Just remember these debt figures are estimates based on similar UL Lafayette programs—verify actual costs and available aid before committing.
Where University of Louisiana at Lafayette Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,418 | $42,715 | — | $23,675* | — | |
| $10,125 | $42,572 | — | $27,000* | 0.63 | |
| 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 Louisiana at Lafayette, approximately 39% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.