Analysis
Comparable chemistry programs in Wisconsin suggest first-year earnings around $49,000 against estimated debt of $25,600βa manageable 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio that matches the state median. By year four, earnings climb to $57,438, which is actual reported data for UW-River Falls graduates and positions them competitively within Wisconsin's network of chemistry programs. This trajectory suggests the degree provides solid earning potential that outpaces both the national median ($42,581) and justifies the investment.
The debt load looks reasonable compared to what similar programs produce statewide, and the earnings growth from year one to year four indicates career progression rather than stagnation. UW-River Falls sits in the middle of Wisconsin's chemistry programsβnot leading the pack like UW-Eau Claire, but performing on par with flagship Madison and ahead of the national average. For a school with an 82% admission rate, these outcomes suggest effective preparation without the premium price or selectivity barriers of more competitive institutions.
If your child is considering chemistry at UW-River Falls, the year-four earnings provide the most reliable signal: graduates from this program are actually earning $57,000+ within four years. While we can't confirm the exact starting salary or debt for this specific cohort, the state-level patterns and mid-career data suggest this program delivers value consistent with Wisconsin's stronger public universities.
Where University of Wisconsin-River Falls Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls | β | $57,438 | β |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $48,886 | $62,892 | +29% |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $36,771 | $55,756 | +52% |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $48,903 | $54,746 | +12% |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | $50,659 | $54,532 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (28 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,606 | $48,895* | $57,438 | $25,625* | β | |
| $9,277 | $50,659* | $54,532 | $23,250* | 0.46 | |
| $8,315 | $49,386* | β | $26,000* | 0.53 | |
| $8,250 | $48,903* | $54,746 | $25,250* | 0.52 | |
| $11,205 | $48,886* | $62,892 | $26,043* | 0.53 | |
| $36,500 | $45,188* | β | $27,000* | 0.60 | |
| National Median | β | $42,581* | β | $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-River Falls, approximately 20% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.