Compare 10 Chemistry. programs in Michigan. Average earnings: $46,445.
Chemistry programs produce graduates earning between $29,685 and $75,833—a $46K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 10 ranked programs in Michigan, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Kalamazoo College's Chemistry program leads with graduates earning $75,833, well above the state average of $46,445. Saginaw Valley State University follows at $61,068, while Grand Valley State University delivers $51,621. The data shows smaller colleges competing directly with larger institutions on pure outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Kalamazoo College graduates borrow $26,077 and face just a 6.7% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, Saginaw Valley State leads with a 16.4% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kalamazoo CollegePrivate | $75,833 | 38 | $26,077 | Excellent | $49,500 | Challenging |
| #2 | $61,068 | 8 | $25,000 | Good | $18,264 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $51,621 | 21 | $24,500 | Good | $26,392 | High | |
| #4 | $49,683 | 8 | $26,188 | Manageable | $22,488 | High | |
| #5 | $49,494 | 61 | $23,250 | Good | $37,401 | High | |
| #6 | $38,289 | 30 | $19,500 | Manageable | $30,250 | High | |
| #7 | $38,289 | 19 | $21,474 | Challenging | $17,287 | High | |
| #8 | $37,208 | 19 | $25,000 | Challenging | $16,878 | High | |
| #9 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | $33,275 | 55 | $21,250 | High | $16,378 | High |
| #10 | Hope CollegePrivate | $29,685 | 14 | $26,800 | High | $48,059 | 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 →