Analysis
Chemistry graduates in Connecticut typically start at around $52,000, and University of Saint Joseph's program appears positioned to deliver similar outcomes based on comparable programs in the state. The estimated $25,000 in debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48—manageable enough that loan payments shouldn't dominate your child's early-career budget. This ratio suggests the degree could pay for itself within a reasonable timeframe.
What makes this estimate more credible is that it aligns with what UConn's chemistry programs produce, and Connecticut's chemistry market appears stronger than the national average of $43,000. The state's concentration of pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare employers creates genuine demand for chemistry graduates. Your child would be entering a field where starting salaries in this region exceed what most chemistry majors earn elsewhere in the country.
The caveat: we're working with estimated figures here because this specific program's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to publish. The $52,000 figure represents what similar Connecticut chemistry programs produce, not verified outcomes from Saint Joseph itself. Given the school's smaller size and 80% admission rate, you're making a calculated bet that this program delivers outcomes comparable to its state peers—a reasonable assumption for a well-established STEM field, but one that comes with less certainty than you'd have with reported data.
Where University of Saint Joseph Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,908 | $52,216* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $20,366 | $52,216* | $65,230 | $26,158* | 0.50 | |
| $17,462 | $52,216* | $65,230 | $26,158* | 0.50 | |
| $17,462 | $52,216* | $65,230 | $26,158* | 0.50 | |
| $17,472 | $52,216* | $65,230 | $26,158* | 0.50 | |
| $17,452 | $52,216* | $65,230 | $26,158* | 0.50 | |
| 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 Saint Joseph, 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in CT. Actual outcomes may vary.