Compare 9 Chemistry. programs in Virginia. Average earnings: $48,470.
Chemistry programs produce graduates earning between $22,881 and $72,660—a $50K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 9 ranked programs in Virginia, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
William & Mary's Chemistry program leads with graduates earning $72,660, well above the $48,470 state average. University of Virginia follows at $61,344, while Virginia Tech delivers $51,790—proving that program-level factors drive outcomes more than overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. William & Mary graduates borrow $18,500 and face just a 5.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their $72,660 post-grad income.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | William & MaryPublic | $72,660 | 56 | $18,500 | Excellent | $30,326 | Manageable |
| #2 | $61,344 | 77 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $51,790 | 37 | $21,500 | Good | $35,325 | High | |
| #4 | $51,693 | 24 | $25,000 | Good | $44,122 | High | |
| #5 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $46,864 | 35 | $19,500 | Good | $25,142 | High |
| #6 | James Madison UniversityPublic | $45,799 | 31 | $20,093 | Good | $37,285 | High |
| #7 | $45,628 | 95 | $21,500 | Manageable | $23,585 | High | |
| #8 | Radford UniversityPublic | $37,568 | 19 | $24,000 | Challenging | $22,158 | High |
| #9 | University Of RichmondPrivate | $22,881 | 20 | $21,000 | High | $30,512 | 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 →
