Chemistry at University of Scranton

A Chemistry bachelor's degree from University of Scranton would carry an estimated $26,677 in debt—slightly below Pennsylvania's median for this major but still representing about seven months of projected first-year earnings. Chemistry programs across Pennsylvania produce widely varying outcomes, with graduates from some schools earning $50,000+ while others cluster around the state median of $43,571 that serves as the benchmark here. That spread matters because Chemistry often requires graduate school for career advancement, making the undergraduate debt load particularly consequential.

The estimated 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory, especially for a science degree that typically opens doors to lab work, quality control positions, or graduate programs in medicine, pharmacy, or research. Similar Chemistry programs in Pennsylvania suggest earnings that align closely with the national median of $42,581, indicating this field produces fairly consistent entry-level outcomes regardless of institution. For families considering Scranton's Jesuit liberal arts environment, the question becomes whether the smaller class sizes and undergraduate research opportunities justify similar financial outcomes to larger state universities.

Without program-specific data, the key decision hinges on fit and graduate school plans. If your child intends to pursue advanced degrees, minimizing undergraduate debt matters more than marginal differences in starting salary. The estimated figures suggest reasonable—not exceptional—value for a mid-tier private institution where 22% of students receive Pell grants.