Chemistry at University of Michigan-Dearborn

Chemistry programs in Michigan show substantial variation in graduate outcomes, and UM-Dearborn's estimated figures fall in the middle of this range. Based on comparable chemistry bachelor's programs across the state, graduates here likely start around $39,736—roughly $7,000 below what Grand Valley State and Eastern Michigan report, but still within striking distance of the state median. The estimated debt of $23,650 translates to a 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio, which means manageable monthly payments even at this starting salary level.

What's harder to gauge is trajectory. Chemistry degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate school, medical programs, or specialized industry roles where the bachelor's alone doesn't tell the full story. The $3,000 gap between these estimates and the national median suggests either that Michigan's chemical industry pays less than coastal markets, or that UM-Dearborn graduates enter different career tracks than their peers at flagship research universities. The school's 44% Pell grant population indicates many students may need to enter the workforce immediately rather than pursuing advanced degrees, making that first-year number more consequential.

For families weighing this option: the debt load appears reasonable, but the estimated earnings sit low enough that you'd want to understand what specific chemistry career your student is targeting. If graduate school is the plan, this could be a cost-effective foundation. If they're hoping to work immediately in Michigan's automotive or pharmaceutical sectors, investigating what entry-level positions actually pay—and what UM-Dearborn's industry connections look like—matters more than these peer-based estimates can reveal.