What is the starting salary for Chemistry graduates in Lincoln?

The estimated starting salary for Chemistry graduates in Lincoln, NE is $46,750 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 85. The national average starting salary for this major is $55,000. Salaries in Lincoln are 15% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Chemistry degree worth it in Lincoln?

A Chemistry degree in Lincoln has an estimated ROI payback period of 4.7 years, with a projected lifetime return of $388,088 after subtracting education costs. With 9 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,242/year, Lincoln offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.9% and the major's national unemployment rate of 4.2% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Chemistry in Lincoln?

The average annual public university tuition in Lincoln is $9,242, while private universities average $36,730/year. Including room and board ($10,611/year), total 4-year costs range from $79,412 at a public school to $189,364 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Lincoln is $13,317/year.

What jobs can Chemistry graduates get in Lincoln?

Chemistry graduates in Lincoln can pursue careers as Chemist, Lab Technician, Quality Control Analyst. Key skills valued by local employers include Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy. The Lincoln job market features Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Pfizer, Dow Chemical, BASF.

How long to pay off student loans for Chemistry in Lincoln?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Chemistry graduates in Lincoln would pay $902/month on an estimated $79,412 in loans, with $28,793 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,554/month but save $14,978 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $46,750, monthly payments would represent 23% of gross monthly income.

Chemistry Degree in Lincoln, NE — Salary & ROI 2026

Chemistry degree analysis for Lincoln, NE. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$47K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$72K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

4.7 yrs

in Lincoln

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Chemistry in Lincoln, NE Overview

Lincoln, Nebraska (pop. 291,082) has 9 colleges offering Chemistry programs. The local cost of living index of 85 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $867/month. Although national enrollment in Chemistry has been declining, graduates with skills in Organic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in Lincoln is approximately $46,750, growing to $72,250 by mid-career.

Chemistry Salary in Lincoln (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Lincoln's cost of living index of 85 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$46,750($-8,250 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$72,250($-12,750 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$93,500($-16,500 vs national)

Note: National average Chemistry salary: $55,000 starting, $85,000 mid-career, $110,000 senior level.Lincoln adjustment factor: 0.85x based on the local cost of living index.

Chemistry ROI Calculator for Lincoln

Estimate your return on investment for a Chemistry degree using local Lincoln tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,242 | Private avg: $36,730

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Lincoln avg aid: $13,317/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$79,412

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$17,000

vs HS diploma in Lincoln

ROI Payback Period

4.7 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Lincoln

$388,088

Lifetime earnings premium ($467,500) minus total education cost ($79,412)

Student Loan Payoff for Chemistry in Lincoln

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$79,412

Monthly Payment$902

Total Interest$28,793

% of Monthly Income23%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$79,412

Monthly Payment$1,554

Total Interest$13,815

Interest Savings$14,978

Colleges in Lincoln for Chemistry

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

public

$9,242/yr

$36,968 total

Nebraska Wesleyan University

private

$36,730/yr

$146,920 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Southeast Community College

$3,540/yr

Top Employers for Chemistry in Lincoln

Lincoln offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Chemistry graduates. National top employers in this field include:

PfizerDow ChemicalBASF3MMerck

Key Lincoln Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Chemistry Job Titles

ChemistLab TechnicianQuality Control Analyst

Chemistry in Nearby Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE

$48K starting · COL 87

23 colleges

Bellevue, NE

$46K starting · COL 84.4

3 colleges

Grand Island, NE

$50K starting · COL 91.2

3 colleges

Other STEM Majors in Lincoln

Prompt Engineering

$43K starting · 1.5 yr ROI

Computational Linguistics

$81K starting · 2 yr ROI

Computer Science

$72K starting · 2.8 yr ROI

Software Engineering

$75K starting · 2.7 yr ROI

Data Science

$70K starting · 3 yr ROI

Astrophysics

$72K starting · 3 yr ROI

Actuarial Science

$43K starting · 3 yr ROI

Cybersecurity

$68K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Chemistry degree outcomes in Lincoln, NE: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Chemistry programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Nebraska.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Lincoln using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Chemistry graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Chemistry career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Chemistry grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Lincoln Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Nebraska students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Nebraska)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Nebraska programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "nebraska higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Chemistry Degree in Lincoln — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Chemistry ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Lincoln.

Chemistry Overview Colleges in Lincoln All Majors