Analysis
A chemistry degree with estimated earnings around $42,600 and debt near $23,700 puts this program squarely in the middle of what Louisiana schools typically deliver—though we're working with figures derived from peer institutions since this specific program's graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish outcomes data. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 suggests graduates would dedicate roughly seven months of their first year's salary to loan repayment, which is manageable by national standards for a STEM field.
What's reassuring here is how closely the estimated figures align with what similar chemistry programs across Louisiana actually report. UL Lafayette and Louisiana Tech—schools with published data—show first-year earnings within $100 of each other, all clustering around $42,600. This consistency suggests the estimation methodology is drawing from a stable regional market for chemistry graduates. The estimated debt load of $23,700 actually comes in below both Louisiana's typical $27,000 and the national median of $24,000 for chemistry programs.
The practical reality: this looks like a standard-issue chemistry bachelor's degree in terms of financial outcomes. You're not paying a premium for the credential, and you're not getting unusually strong earning power either. If your student is committed to chemistry and needs an affordable Louisiana option, these estimates suggest ULM won't put them at a disadvantage compared to the state's larger programs—but confirming the school's graduate school placement rates and industry connections would help validate whether these peer-based projections hold true for this particular department.
Where University of Louisiana at Monroe Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,190 | $42,581* | — | $23,675* | — | |
| $10,418 | $42,715* | — | —* | — | |
| $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 Monroe, approximately 33% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 205 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.