Analysis
A chemistry degree from William Carey looks financially sound on paper, with estimated first-year earnings around $42,600 and debt of roughly $25,000—a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio. These figures, drawn from national benchmarks for similar chemistry programs, suggest graduates should be able to handle their loans without major strain. The debt load aligns closely with what chemistry majors typically carry nationwide, while the earnings estimate matches the national median exactly.
What's encouraging is how these projections compare to Mississippi's chemistry landscape. The state median for chemistry bachelor's graduates sits at just $35,100—about $7,500 less than what comparable programs nationally produce. If William Carey's outcomes track closer to national patterns than state ones, that could mean meaningful upside. However, you're making this call with limited visibility: both figures are estimates because the school's graduate sample is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes.
The practical question becomes whether you're comfortable investing in a program where success stories haven't been documented at scale yet. Chemistry credentials generally hold value—lab skills and analytical training translate across industries—but you won't find the reassurance of verified earnings data here. If your student is committed to the field and values the small-school experience William Carey provides, the estimated debt burden shouldn't be crushing. Just understand you're relying on how similar programs typically perform, not proof from this particular institution.
Where William Carey University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,685 | $42,581* | — | $24,994* | — | |
| $9,412 | $35,132* | — | $26,219* | 0.75 | |
| 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 William Carey University, approximately 25% 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 national median of 205 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.