Chemistry at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford

Chemistry graduates from Pitt-Bradford start modestly at $43,571—right at Pennsylvania's median for the field—but see their earnings jump 34% to $58,424 within four years. That trajectory matters more than the middle-of-the-pack starting salary, especially when combined with debt of just $27,000 (lower than 95% of chemistry programs nationally). This is the rare combination of low financial burden and strong upward momentum.

The numbers look even better when you consider the context. While Drexel and Millersville's chemistry programs command higher starting salaries, they typically carry significantly more debt. Here, your child graduates with manageable loans and catches up quickly. Among Pennsylvania's 73 chemistry programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile for earnings—respectable performance from a regional campus with a 91% admission rate serving a large population of Pell-eligible students.

The modest sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual outcomes will vary, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 is strong by any measure. For families prioritizing affordability alongside solid career prospects in STEM, this program delivers both without the sticker shock of urban research universities. Your child gets University of Pittsburgh credentials with far less financial risk than comparable programs.