Chemistry at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC-Chapel Hill chemistry graduates face a puzzling contradiction: they enter one of the state's most selective universities but exit earning less than peers at NC State, East Carolina, and even several regional campuses. With first-year earnings of $32,516, these graduates land in the 12th percentile nationally—below 88% of chemistry programs nationwide. Even within North Carolina, where chemistry salaries trend lower than the national average, UNC-Chapel Hill ranks at just the 40th percentile, trailing four in-state competitors by $8,000 to $15,000 annually.

The good news lies in trajectory and debt. That initial $32,516 jumps to nearly $60,000 by year four—an 84% increase that suggests many graduates pursue graduate school, medical school, or specialized training before entering higher-paying careers. The $14,250 median debt is exceptionally low, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and well below both state and national norms. This creates manageable financial pressure during those early, lower-earning years.

For families, the value calculation hinges on your child's post-graduation plans. If they're heading to graduate or professional school, UNC's prestige and minimal debt make sense. But if they need immediate earning power after the bachelor's degree, chemistry majors at NC State or East Carolina are outearning UNC graduates from day one—a surprising reality given the 19% admission rate and 1454 average SAT scores at Chapel Hill.