Compare 95 Chemistry. programs in the South. Average earnings: $46,046.
The highest-earning Chemistry program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $23K earnings gap across 95 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Louisiana State University And Agricultural & Mechanical College's Chemistry program leads with graduates earning $80,660—well above the $46,046 average. William & Mary follows at $72,660, while University of North Alabama delivers $70,485 despite a 96% acceptance rate, proving accessibility doesn't compromise outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. LSU graduates borrow $20,500 and face just a 4.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.25.
Highest program earnings: $80,660
Strong outcomes ($80,660) with 74% acceptance
4.8% payment burden | Excellent
11.2% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $80,660 | 29 | $20,500 | Excellent | $25,645 | Good | |
| #2 | William & MaryPublic | $72,660 | 56 | $18,500 | Excellent | $30,326 | Manageable |
| #3 | $70,485 | 18 | $22,077 | Excellent | $18,000 | Manageable | |
| #4 | Texas State UniversityPublic | $70,396 | 18 | $21,000 | Excellent | $22,500 | Manageable |
| #5 | University Of DelawarePublic | $67,828 | 27 | $24,572 | Excellent | $43,000 | Challenging |
| #6 | University Of HoustonPublic | $66,725 | 31 | $18,194 | Excellent | $18,072 | Manageable |
| #7 | $66,584 | 57 | $17,804 | Excellent | $32,258 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $63,165 | 15 | $20,500 | Excellent | $11,000 | Good | |
| #9 | $61,344 | 77 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Manageable | |
| #10 | West Virginia UniversityPublic | $60,966 | 23 | $22,500 | Good | $32,980 | Challenging |
| #11 | $60,274 | 107 | $16,500 | Excellent | $13,610 | Good | |
| #12 | $59,983 | 16 | $23,000 | Good | $14,877 | Manageable | |
| #13 | $59,852 | 147 | $14,000 | Excellent | $25,072 | Manageable | |
| #14 | Texas Tech UniversityPublic | $59,067 | 41 | $21,500 | Good | $23,443 | Challenging |
| #15 | Towson UniversityPublic | $59,027 | 53 | $18,718 | Excellent | $28,489 | Challenging |
| #16 | $58,765 | 57 | $21,868 | Good | $18,241 | Manageable | |
| #17 | $58,652 | 134 | $20,500 | Excellent | $26,632 | Challenging | |
| #18 | Winthrop UniversityPublic | $58,199 | 15 | $26,975 | Good | $23,888 | Challenging |
| #19 | Clemson UniversityPublic | $58,124 | 22 | $21,500 | Good | $35,463 | Challenging |
| #20 | $57,563 | 41 | $22,500 | Good | $14,685 | Manageable | |
| #21 | $56,744 | 41 | $23,250 | Good | $16,000 | Manageable | |
| #22 | East Carolina UniversityPublic | $55,980 | 65 | $22,750 | Good | $19,710 | Challenging |
| #23 | $55,534 | 48 | $21,500 | Good | $31,393 | Challenging | |
| #24 | Emory UniversityPrivate | $54,509 | 96 | $18,250 | Excellent | $30,480 | Challenging |
| #25 | $53,767 | 43 | $19,500 | Good | $22,737 | Challenging |
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 →
