Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $37,526 track close to the $41,256 national median for Chemistry programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 3.7x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.
AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt-to-$37,526 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #175 out of 205 programs, Valparaiso University's financial outcomes for Chemistry trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $37,526 to $71,188 over five years (90% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.