Analysis
Chemistry graduates from UW-Platteville earn nearly $7,000 more than the national median for chemistry majors—a substantial 16% premium that places this program in the 92nd percentile nationally. However, within Wisconsin's strong chemistry landscape, these outcomes land closer to the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile. With $26,000 in median debt, graduates face manageable loan burdens that represent just over half their first-year salary, well below the concerning threshold of 1.0 that signals potential repayment struggles.
The tradeoff here is clear: UW-Platteville delivers solid chemistry outcomes at a regional public school price point, but it doesn't quite match the state's top performers like UW-Eau Claire or Whitewater. For families prioritizing affordability and strong science preparation, this program offers genuine value—especially when you consider the 87% admission rate makes it accessible to more students. The debt load is reasonable, and starting salaries comfortably support loan repayment.
One caveat: these figures come from a small graduating class (under 30 students), so individual results may vary more than at larger programs. Still, for Wisconsin families seeking a practical path into chemistry careers without breaking the bank, UW-Platteville represents a defensible choice that balances cost, accessibility, and earning potential.
Where University of Wisconsin-Platteville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Platteville graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville | $8,315 | $49,386 | — | $26,000 | 0.53 |
 University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireEau Claire | $9,277 | $50,659 | $54,532 | $23,250 | 0.46 |
 University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater | $8,250 | $48,903 | $54,746 | $25,250 | 0.52 |
 University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison | $11,205 | $48,886 | $62,892 | $26,043 | 0.53 |
 Carthage CollegeKenosha | $36,500 | $45,188 | — | $27,000 | 0.60 |
 University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee | $10,020 | $36,771 | $55,756 | — | — |
| 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 Wisconsin-Platteville, approximately 21% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.