Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.6 is generally manageable, and that's what national peer programs suggest for this chemistry degree—roughly $25,000 in debt against first-year earnings around $42,600. The challenge here is understanding whether University of Sioux Falls specifically delivers on that benchmark. With small cohorts forcing data suppression, we're working with national averages for chemistry programs rather than actual outcomes from USF graduates. That means you're essentially betting on whether this particular program—at a small private university with an 82% admission rate—performs as well as the typical chemistry bachelor's nationwide.
Chemistry degrees can lead to varied career paths, from lab technician roles to entry points for advanced degrees in healthcare or research. The estimated earnings place graduates roughly at the national median for chemistry majors, which is neither exceptional nor concerning. What matters more is how USF's specific program connects students to employers or graduate schools. With 29% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves a reasonably diverse population, but you'll need to dig into placement rates, graduate school acceptance, and industry connections yourself since the numbers can't tell that story.
If your child is committed to chemistry and values a smaller school environment, the estimated financial picture isn't prohibitive. But verify what happens to graduates—where they work, whether they pursue advanced degrees, and how the program supports those outcomes—before banking on national averages applying here.
Where University of Sioux Falls Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Chemistry bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,740 | $42,581* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $63,141 | $62,511* | $88,634 | $24,500* | 0.39 | |
| $14,850 | $59,576* | $64,496 | $11,172* | 0.19 | |
| $14,766 | $55,389* | — | $23,600* | 0.43 | |
| $11,389 | $55,376* | $67,363 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| $16,080 | $54,055* | $67,828 | $24,893* | 0.46 | |
| 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 Sioux Falls, approximately 29% 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 national median of 205 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.