Chemistry at University of North Carolina Wilmington

UNCW's chemistry program delivers a solid return that outpaces most competitors in North Carolina. Graduates earn $44,473 in their first year—well above the state's median of $36,235 for chemistry degrees and competitive with larger research universities in the UNC system. Among the 42 NC schools offering chemistry degrees, UNCW ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only major flagships like NC State and ECU while charging considerably less in student debt than many private alternatives.

The financial fundamentals work in students' favor here. With median debt under $20,000 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.45, graduates can reasonably manage their loans while building toward stronger mid-career earnings. The 21% earnings growth by year four suggests graduates are advancing into better positions, likely in labs, quality control roles, or graduate programs that boost earning potential. The moderate sample size of recent graduates provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes.

For North Carolina families looking at chemistry programs, UNCW offers a pragmatic choice: better earnings than most state schools at a manageable debt level. The admission rate and test scores indicate accessibility for strong students who may not qualify for the top-tier research universities but still want career-relevant science training. Parents should feel comfortable with this investment, particularly if their student plans to stay in the region where UNCW's reputation carries weight.