Chemistry at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Wisconsin's chemistry programs cluster tightly in earnings potential, and based on comparable programs across the state, UW-La Crosse graduates likely land near the middle of that pack. The estimated $48,895 first-year earnings align almost exactly with the state median, putting this program in league with larger UW campuses like Madison and Whitewater. By year four, when actual data becomes available, graduates earn $54,233—a solid trajectory that suggests the chemistry degree translates into stable career progression.

The estimated $25,625 in debt creates a manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. This falls well within sustainable territory for a STEM degree, especially when the national chemistry median sits at $42,581—about $6,300 less than what similar Wisconsin programs typically produce. The state's chemistry ecosystem appears stronger than the national average, which works in graduates' favor.

For parents weighing this investment, the fundamentals look sound: reasonable debt paired with competitive regional earnings in a field with clear workforce demand. The caveat is that these figures draw from peer programs rather than UW-La Crosse's specific graduates, so individual outcomes will depend on factors like internship quality and specialization choices. Still, the consistency across Wisconsin's chemistry programs suggests the estimates provide a reasonable baseline for planning.