Chemistry at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

UW-Eau Claire's chemistry program outperforms 95% of chemistry programs nationwide—an impressive achievement that places it among the elite for this major. First-year graduates earn $50,659, roughly $8,000 above the national median and even slightly above Wisconsin's already strong state median. With debt of $23,250, students face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, meaning they owe less than half their starting salary.

Here's the nuance: while this program dominates nationally, it lands in the 60th percentile within Wisconsin, where chemistry programs are unusually strong across the board. UW-Platteville edges ahead by about $1,000 annually, but Eau Claire remains competitive with flagship Madison and well ahead of Milwaukee. For an accessible school with a 76% admission rate, these outcomes are exceptional—you're getting near-flagship results at a regional campus price point.

The 8% earnings growth to year four ($54,532) shows typical career progression for early-career chemists. Given Wisconsin's robust chemical and pharmaceutical industries, graduates have real prospects for advancement. For families prioritizing value—strong outcomes without the competitive pressure or cost premium of more selective programs—this represents one of the state's best chemistry investments.