Chemistry at University of Wisconsin-Madison

UW-Madison chemistry graduates start strong and accelerate even faster, with earnings jumping 29% from $48,886 to nearly $63,000 within four years. That growth trajectory outpaces most chemistry programs nationally, landing this degree in the 89th percentile for earnings. The debt burden of $26,043 is manageable—graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary, meaning repayment shouldn't dominate their early-career budgets.

Here's the Wisconsin paradox: despite ranking near the top nationally, UW-Madison's chemistry program sits at just the 40th percentile within the state. That's not weakness—it reflects Wisconsin's unusually strong chemistry landscape, where even mid-tier programs like UW-Eau Claire and UW-Platteville produce slightly higher initial earnings. The difference amounts to less than $2,000 annually, and UW-Madison's superior year-four earnings suggest their graduates may be positioning themselves for research roles or graduate programs that pay off later.

For families who value the flagship university experience alongside solid employment outcomes, this delivers. The low debt relative to earnings means graduates have flexibility to pursue graduate school, accept lower-paying research positions, or move straight into industry without financial strain. If your student is considering graduate education in chemistry or related sciences, UW-Madison's research infrastructure and strong earnings growth make this a particularly smart investment.