Chemistry at University of Virginia-Main Campus

UVA's chemistry program presents a puzzling disconnect: graduates from this highly selective university (17% admission rate, 1488 SAT average) start at just $30,599—well below both Virginia's median ($39,090) and the national average ($42,581) for chemistry majors. Among Virginia's 36 chemistry programs, this ranks only at the 25th percentile, trailing George Mason, Virginia Tech, and JMU by substantial margins. While debt is relatively modest at $19,425, that early stumble out of the gate is hard to ignore.

The story improves dramatically by year four, when earnings more than double to $61,344—suggesting many graduates pursue graduate degrees, medical school, or secure positions requiring advanced credentials after initial lower-paying research or teaching roles. This pattern is common for chemistry programs that serve as pre-med pipelines or feeders to PhD programs. If your student plans to continue their education, that first-year number matters less than it appears.

The question is whether your family can weather those early years financially. The moderate debt helps, but if your student needs to start earning immediately after graduation, programs like George Mason or Virginia Tech deliver stronger initial earnings without compromising long-term prospects. If graduate school is already part of the plan, UVA's prestige and research opportunities may justify the slower start—just don't expect the university's name alone to guarantee immediate post-bachelor's success.