Chemistry at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 isn't alarming on its face, but national benchmarks suggest chemistry graduates typically land around $42,600 in their first year—meaning this estimate may not reflect UNL's specific advantages or disadvantages. With an estimated $23,675 in debt (slightly below the national median for chemistry programs), the financial picture looks manageable if that earning figure holds. The challenge is that chemistry outcomes can vary significantly based on whether students pursue industry positions, graduate school, or teaching—and this estimate can't tell you which path UNL chemistry grads typically take or how well the program connects students to higher-paying lab or research roles.

Nebraska's chemistry programs show a median debt of $26,733, suggesting UNL might keep costs somewhat lower than state peers, though without reported data from any Nebraska chemistry program, it's hard to gauge competitive positioning. The university's 77% admission rate and modest SAT profile indicate it's broadly accessible, which matters if your child is weighing chemistry programs across different selectivity tiers.

The bottom line: if your child is committed to chemistry and UNL offers the right fit academically and geographically, these estimated figures don't scream red flags. But treat them as ballpark guidance only—press the school directly on where recent chemistry graduates actually land, what percentage continue to graduate programs, and whether internship or research opportunities translate into better starting positions than the national average suggests.