Analysis
Worcester State's chemistry program appears positioned right in the middle of Massachusetts's range. Similar chemistry programs statewide suggest first-year earnings around $47,000, with this program's reported fourth-year earnings of $58,939 showing solid progression. The estimated $27,000 in debt—yielding a 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio—means graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary, a manageable level that aligns with the state median for comparable programs.
What strengthens this picture is the trajectory. Moving from an estimated $47,000 to nearly $59,000 by year four suggests Worcester State chemistry graduates gain traction in the job market relatively quickly. For context, peer programs in Massachusetts range from the low $40,000s to over $60,000 at Northeastern, placing Worcester State's outcomes squarely in the mid-tier—not elite, but well above many alternatives.
The practical question is whether this program delivers enough value given the uncertainty around the estimates. With a 90% admission rate and reasonable debt load, Worcester State offers an accessible path into chemistry that appears to produce middle-of-the-pack Massachusetts outcomes. If your child is serious about chemistry and considering state schools, this program merits a serious look—but request employment data directly from the department to verify where recent graduates actually land.
Where Worcester State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester State University | — | $58,939 | — |
| Northeastern University | $62,511 | $88,634 | +42% |
| Bridgewater State University | $55,376 | $67,363 | +22% |
| Brandeis University | $46,641 | $61,613 | +32% |
| College of the Holy Cross | $47,313 | $61,540 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (41 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,286 | $47,313* | $58,939 | $27,000* | — | |
| $63,141 | $62,511* | $88,634 | $24,500* | 0.39 | |
| $11,389 | $55,376* | $67,363 | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| $11,978 | $49,439* | — | $27,000* | 0.55 | |
| $60,850 | $47,313* | $61,540 | $27,000* | 0.57 | |
| $64,946 | $46,641* | $61,613 | $25,484* | 0.55 | |
| 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 Worcester State University, approximately 29% 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 7 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.