Analysis
A chemistry degree from the University of Toledo falls squarely in the middle of what similar Ohio programs produce—estimated first-year earnings of $43,349 match the state median exactly, while estimated debt of $25,751 is close to typical for the state. This puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.59, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary. While that's manageable compared to many fields, it's worth noting that top chemistry programs in Ohio like Cleveland State and Cincinnati show graduates earning $4,000-5,000 more right out of the gate, which adds up quickly when you're paying down loans.
The accessibility angle here matters: Toledo's 95% admission rate makes this chemistry program available to students who might not get into more selective options. That said, peer program data suggests Toledo graduates aren't particularly disadvantaged earnings-wise compared to the state average—they're just not outperforming it either. For a field where lab skills and graduate school prospects often matter more than undergraduate prestige, this middle-of-the-pack position may be less concerning than in other majors. The real question is whether your child plans to stop at a bachelor's degree or continue to graduate school, since chemistry salaries jump significantly with advanced degrees and this debt load would compound with additional education.
Where University of Toledo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (53 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,377 | $43,349* | — | $25,751* | — | |
| $12,613 | $48,147* | $55,195 | $24,744* | 0.51 | |
| $13,570 | $47,387* | $62,319 | $23,750* | 0.50 | |
| $12,799 | $44,970* | — | $27,500* | 0.61 | |
| $14,081 | $43,840* | $55,512 | $26,000* | 0.59 | |
| $6,178 | $43,349* | $55,606 | $25,751* | 0.59 | |
| 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 Toledo, approximately 26% 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 13 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.