Chemistry at University of the Pacific

Based on comparable chemistry programs in California, graduates might expect around $44,000 in first-year earnings—right at the state median but well below what UC Berkeley ($60,000) and several Cal State campuses deliver. The estimated $25,000 debt load, while manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, exceeds California's typical $16,000 for chemistry degrees. This suggests University of the Pacific's private school tuition creates a steeper financial climb than state alternatives.

What makes this picture particularly uncertain is that both figures are estimates drawn from peer programs—the actual graduate sample here was too small for the Department of Education to report. Chemistry graduates in California show enormous variance, with top programs producing 35% higher earnings than the median. Without knowing where Pacific's actual outcomes fall in that range, you're essentially betting on an unknown result while paying private tuition prices.

The practical calculation: if this program performs at the state median (the basis for these estimates), your child faces higher debt than most California chemistry graduates for similar earnings prospects. Given Pacific's 95% admission rate and the strong chemistry programs available through the UC and Cal State systems, you'd want compelling non-financial reasons—like specific research opportunities or small class sizes—to justify the premium.