Compare 53 Chemistry. programs in the West. Average earnings: $50,165.
Chemistry programs produce graduates earning between $56,584 and $73,774—a $17K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 53 ranked programs in the West, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Western Washington University's Chemistry program leads with graduates earning $73,774, well above the $50,165 regional average. San Francisco State follows at $69,237, proving that public universities dominate this field. The University of Colorado Denver rounds out the top three at $69,203, reinforcing that program-level factors drive outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Western Washington University graduates borrow $18,500 and face just a 5.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. UC Davis offers even better value with a 4.1% burden and $13,000 in student debt, proving top programs can be financially smart choices.
Highest program earnings: $73,774
Strong outcomes with 91% 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 | $73,774 | 30 | $18,500 | Excellent | $23,123 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $69,237 | 19 | $15,371 | Excellent | $19,732 | Good | |
| #3 | $69,203 | 12 | $20,500 | Excellent | $21,716 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $66,742 | 32 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Good | |
| #5 | $66,311 | 69 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $65,800 | 35 | $20,000 | Excellent | $36,000 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $65,713 | 148 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $65,212 | 40 | $15,000 | Excellent | $16,507 | Good | |
| #9 | $64,903 | 100 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Manageable | |
| #10 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $64,746 | 39 | $19,620 | Excellent | $30,126 | Manageable |
| #11 | $64,496 | 129 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Manageable | |
| #12 | Boise State UniversityPublic | $62,749 | 18 | $20,500 | Excellent | $18,968 | Manageable |
| #13 | University Of UtahPublic | $61,624 | 94 | $19,000 | Excellent | $18,886 | Manageable |
| #14 | $60,796 | 259 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Manageable | |
| #15 | $59,720 | 50 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Manageable | |
| #16 | $59,154 | 9 | $16,600 | Excellent | $9,000 | Good | |
| #17 | $58,242 | 17 | $19,500 | Excellent | $17,148 | Manageable | |
| #18 | $57,636 | 30 | $20,470 | Good | $22,566 | Challenging | |
| #19 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $56,658 | 48 | $21,221 | Good | $28,923 | Challenging |
| #20 | $56,584 | 38 | $16,144 | Excellent | $18,376 | Manageable | |
| #21 | $56,479 | 101 | $15,000 | Excellent | $25,565 | Manageable | |
| #22 | Colorado School Of MinesPublic | $56,239 | 10 | $23,000 | Good | $53,505 | High |
| #23 | $55,676 | 87 | $19,000 | Excellent | $23,489 | Challenging | |
| #24 | $54,740 | 26 | $20,500 | Good | $18,859 | Manageable | |
| #25 | $54,367 | 23 | $21,500 | Good | $13,743 | Manageable |
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 →
