Analysis
UNT's chemistry program starts slow but accelerates impressively—graduates earning just $38,000 in year one see their income jump 38% to $52,430 by year four, outpacing typical chemistry career trajectories. That strong growth trajectory suggests graduates are finding their footing in the field, though the initial lag behind Texas peers (40th percentile in the state) means the first year or two may require some financial patience.
The $23,151 debt load is reasonable, translating to monthly payments under $260. Combined with that solid earnings growth, the debt becomes increasingly manageable as graduates advance. However, even after four years, earnings remain below what chemistry graduates achieve at Houston ($50,717 initially) or Texas A&M ($49,462). For students considering graduate school in chemistry—common in this field—UNT's lower first-year earnings might be less concerning since they'd be heading back to school anyway.
This program makes sense for students who value UNT's accessibility (72% admission rate) and can weather modest starting salaries, especially if they're confident about career progression or planning for advanced degrees. The 38% earnings jump suggests employers increasingly value UNT chemistry grads with experience. Just recognize your child will likely start behind peers from Houston or Texas A&M, even if the gap narrows over time.
Where University of North Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of North Texas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Texas | $38,006 | $52,430 | +38% |
| Texas State University | $42,897 | $70,396 | +64% |
| University of Houston | $50,717 | $66,725 | +32% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $49,462 | $66,584 | +35% |
| Texas Tech University | $31,573 | $59,067 | +87% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (63 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,164 | $38,006 | $52,430 | $23,151 | 0.61 | |
| $9,711 | $50,717 | $66,725 | $12,000 | 0.24 | |
| $13,099 | $49,462 | $66,584 | $19,500 | 0.39 | |
| $14,564 | $48,783 | — | $20,747 | 0.43 | |
| $9,228 | $43,940 | $51,532 | $28,775 | 0.65 | |
| $11,678 | $43,383 | $58,652 | $18,500 | 0.43 | |
| 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 North Texas, approximately 36% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 35 graduates with reported earnings and 46 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.