Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,006
30th percentile (40th in TX)
Median Debt
$23,151
4% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.61
Manageable
Sample Size
35
Adequate data

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

University of North TexasOther chemistry programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of North Texas graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of North Texas graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 30th percentile of all chemistry bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (63 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of North Texas$38,006$52,430$23,1510.61
University of Houston$50,717$66,725$12,0000.24
Texas A&M University-College Station$49,462$66,584$19,5000.39
The University of Texas at Dallas$48,783—$20,7470.43
Sam Houston State University$43,940$51,532$28,7750.65
The University of Texas at Austin$43,383$58,652$18,5000.43
National Median$42,581—$24,0000.56

Other Chemistry Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Houston
Houston
$9,711$50,717$12,000
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station
$13,099$49,462$19,500
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson
$14,564$48,783$20,747
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville
$9,228$43,940$28,775
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin
$11,678$43,383$18,500

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.