CollegeCostWise

Bachelor's · Erie, Pennsylvania

Is Chemistry at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College worth it?

Low confidence Low confidence: fewer than 40 graduates behind the earnings figures.

The verdict · all families, in-state, half paid with loans

Pays back in time: graduates typically recover the cost in about 5.5 years.

Earnings 1 year after graduating
$52,544
Treasury AY2020-21, AY2021-22 pooled earnings cohort measured in CY2022, CY2023, inflation adjusted to 2024 dollars
Earnings 4 years after graduating
$70,065
Treasury AY2017-2018, AY2018-2019 pooled earnings cohort measured in CY2022, CY2023, inflation adjusted to 2024 dollars
Typical federal debt at graduation
$23,182
NSLDS pooled AY2022-23, AY2023-24 cohort
Net cost to graduate, all families
$98k (likely $98k – $131k)
AcadYr 2024-25, reported in IPEDS DCY2025-26
Earnings bump, year 4
$31k a year vs high-school graduates aged 25–34 in PA
2023 ACS 5-year pooled, adjusted to 2024 dollars
Payback
5.5 years (likely 4.1–7.8)
Bump vs net cost plus loan interest
10-year net return
−$4k (likely −$118k – $113k)
Today's dollars
20-year net return
$378k (likely $137k – $641k)
Today's dollars
Odds of finishing (school-wide)
47%
Fall 2019 or AcadYr 2019-20 cohort (differs by institutional calendar), reported in IPEDS DCY2025-26

Change income, residency or loans Compare Chemistry at other schools

🔭 Getting ready in high school

Students heading toward math & physical science majors like this one often take these classes. Every school offers a different mix, so check with your counselor.

AP classes

  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Statistics
  • AP Physics C: Mechanics
  • AP Chemistry

IB Higher Level

  • Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL
  • Physics HL or Chemistry HL

Build my roadmap 🗺️ Middle school to career, plus high schools near you that offer these classes.

Other majors at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College

Chemistry at other schools in Pennsylvania