Compare 8 Chemistry. programs in Illinois. Average earnings: $51,125.
With top graduates earning $63,276, Chemistry stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $12K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Chemistry program leads with graduates earning $63,276, well above the $51,125 average across Illinois programs. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville follows at $57,878, demonstrating how regional publics compete effectively with flagship institutions in specialized fields.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates borrow $19,500 and face just a 6.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville leads with a 17.6% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $63,276
Strong outcomes ($57,878) with 97% acceptance
6.6% payment burden | Excellent
17.6% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $63,276 | 173 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $57,878 | 43 | $20,500 | Excellent | $21,500 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $57,236 | 23 | $25,251 | Good | $20,764 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $56,116 | 27 | $22,162 | Good | $19,508 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $47,660 | 25 | $16,704 | Good | $24,323 | Challenging | |
| #6 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $44,971 | 21 | $15,000 | Good | $26,966 | High |
| #7 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $43,575 | 6 | $23,168 | Manageable | $41,563 | High |
| #8 | $38,289 | 7 | $21,543 | Challenging | $19,500 | 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 →
