Compare 25 Chemistry. programs in California. Average earnings: $50,858.
Chemistry programs produce graduates earning between $35,274 and $69,237—a $34K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 25 ranked programs in California, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
San Francisco State University's Chemistry program leads with graduates earning $69,237, well above the $50,858 state average. California State University-Long Beach follows at $66,742, while UC Davis reaches $66,311—proving that strong outcomes aren't exclusive to the most selective institutions.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UC Davis graduates borrow $13,000 and face just a 4.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families including parent loans, Cal State Long Beach leads with a 9.8% family burden, still in the 'Good' affordability range.
Highest program earnings: $69,237
Strong outcomes with 96% acceptance
4.1% payment burden | Excellent
9.8% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $69,237 | 19 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Good | |
| #2 | $66,742 | 32 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Good | |
| #3 | $66,311 | 69 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $65,713 | 148 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $65,212 | 40 | $15,000 | Excellent | $16,507 | Good | |
| #6 | $64,903 | 100 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Manageable | |
| #7 | $64,496 | 129 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $60,796 | 259 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $59,720 | 50 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $59,154 | 9 | $16,600 | Excellent | $9,000 | Good | |
| #11 | $56,584 | 38 | $16,144 | Excellent | $18,376 | Manageable | |
| #12 | $56,479 | 101 | $15,000 | Excellent | $25,565 | Manageable | |
| #13 | $52,368 | 62 | $16,666 | Excellent | $28,682 | Challenging | |
| #14 | $50,289 | 61 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #15 | $49,382 | 15 | $17,350 | Good | $18,031 | Challenging | |
| #16 | $45,718 | 51 | $17,500 | Good | $18,275 | Challenging | |
| #17 | $44,944 | 24 | $13,000 | Excellent | $12,526 | Manageable | |
| #18 | $44,874 | 32 | $13,872 | Good | $13,522 | Challenging | |
| #19 | $37,403 | 28 | $14,505 | Manageable | $12,050 | High | |
| #20 | $35,274 | 38 | $15,000 | Manageable | $22,033 | High | |
| #21 | $33,993 | 72 | $14,715 | Manageable | $12,000 | High | |
| #22 | $33,972 | 21 | $18,000 | Challenging | $18,257 | High | |
| #23 | $31,314 | 41 | $13,750 | Challenging | $16,538 | High | |
| #24 | Thomas Aquinas CollegePrivate | $29,685 | 17 | $18,000 | High | $0 | High |
| #25 | $26,896 | 13 | $13,540 | High | $12,700 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
