Compare 5 Geochemistry. programs in North Carolina. Average earnings: $44,621.
The highest-earning Geochemistry program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $18K earnings gap across 5 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
North Carolina State University At Raleigh's Geochemistry program leads with graduates earning $51,876. The average across all programs is $44,621, yet NC State outperforms by $7,255 while maintaining selectivity with a 40% acceptance rate—proof that strong outcomes don't require sacrificing accessibility.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. North Carolina State graduates borrow $20,121 and face just a 9.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. That means loan payments take a manageable bite out of their post-grad income, making the program both high-earning and affordable.
Highest program earnings: $51,876
Strong outcomes with 89% acceptance
9.4% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
21.8% family burden | Challenging - payment 18-25% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $51,876 | 28 | $20,121 | Good | $23,000 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $47,131 | 33 | $20,231 | Good | $21,919 | High | |
| #3 | $46,097 | 57 | $21,500 | Manageable | $19,809 | High | |
| #4 | $44,009 | 27 | $19,500 | Manageable | $22,737 | High | |
| #5 | East Carolina UniversityPublic | $33,993 | 16 | $22,750 | High | $19,710 | 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 →
