Chemistry at Wilson College

Pennsylvania's chemistry programs typically produce first-year earnings around $44,000, and Wilson's program appears to track with this state median—though the small graduate cohort means we're looking at estimates derived from comparable programs rather than Wilson's specific outcomes. The estimated debt load of $26,677 is actually slightly below the state median of $27,000 for similar schools, suggesting reasonable borrowing levels.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 falls within manageable territory for a science degree, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary. Chemistry bachelor's degrees generally provide solid foundations for careers in pharmaceuticals, research, or graduate study, though earnings potential can vary significantly depending on whether graduates pursue industry positions or continue their education. The national median of $42,581 confirms these estimates are in line with what chemistry programs produce across the country.

What matters here is recognizing the limitation: we can't verify Wilson's specific track record with this program. If your child is drawn to Wilson's smaller environment and personalized instruction, these estimated figures suggest the financial picture shouldn't necessarily discourage that choice. But given the lack of program-specific data, have direct conversations with the department about recent graduate outcomes, internship connections, and what proportion of chemistry majors go straight to work versus graduate school—those answers will tell you whether Wilson can deliver on the typical state outcomes these estimates suggest.