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Chemistry at Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,157/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 1.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #192 of 205 Chemistry programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Chemistry graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $468K $469K $448K
Earnings Multiple 1.8x 1.8x 1.7x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$260,672
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,984
59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,990
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Boston University's Chemistry program produces graduates earning $39,157/yr — within striking distance of the $41,256 national average for this field.

An earnings multiple of 1.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,990 debt-to-$39,157 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #192 out of 205 programs, Boston University's financial outcomes for Chemistry trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Boston University

Only 11% of applicants gain admission to Boston University, reflecting elite selectivity, enrolling 17,850 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,984 — 59% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Data scientists $112,590/yr
View all 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 205 schools offering Chemistry →

Chemistry at Other Schools

Northeastern University ($62,511) University of California-Berkeley ($59,576) Montclair State University ($55,389) Bridgewater State University ($55,376) University of Delaware ($54,055) Rowan University ($53,607) Towson University ($52,765) State University of New York at Oswego ($52,645)

Other Majors at Boston University

Computer Engineering ($93,995) Computer Science ($90,050) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,528) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($77,660) Mechanical Engineering ($76,337) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($71,545) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($69,209) Mathematics ($64,604)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Chemistry trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Boston University's Chemistry program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Chemistry. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Chemistry to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Chemistry careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Chemistry at Boston University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $260,672, but the average net cost is $107,984 — a 59% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →