Analysis
A Chemistry bachelor's degree from University of the Cumberlands appears to land right in the middle of Kentucky's range for this field. While we don't have actual outcomes from this specific program, similar Chemistry programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $41,800—essentially matching the national median for Chemistry graduates. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 means graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary, a manageable level that's close to the national median debt for this major.
The estimated $25,000 debt load represents a real financial commitment, but it's reasonable given that Chemistry degrees typically lead to laboratory, research, or industrial positions with clear career paths. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves many families for whom affordability matters significantly. The key uncertainty here is whether this particular program's graduates perform at the state median or cluster nearer to the higher end seen at Murray State ($48,000) or the lower outcomes at Eastern Kentucky ($34,500).
For families comfortable with the estimation uncertainty, the financial profile suggests solid middle-ground value. Chemistry graduates generally find employment in their field, and starting near $42,000 with under $25,000 in debt creates breathing room for loan repayment. You'd want to verify what laboratory facilities and industry connections this program offers—those practical elements often determine whether graduates land toward the higher or lower end of Kentucky's earnings range.
Where University of the Cumberlands Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,875 | $41,842* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $9,708 | $48,334* | — | $25,000* | 0.52 | |
| $12,828 | $41,842* | — | $24,411* | 0.58 | |
| $10,130 | $34,512* | $57,563 | $23,584* | 0.68 | |
| 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 the Cumberlands, approximately 48% 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 3 similar programs in KY. Actual outcomes may vary.