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

Program Analysis

Boston University's Chemistry program, nestled within Boston's rich ecosystem of biotech, pharma, and research institutions, offers a distinct trajectory. While the initial earnings data might seem modest compared to some national averages for chemistry degrees, this often reflects the program's strong emphasis on fundamental science, preparing many graduates for advanced studies. You'll find many students pursuing Ph.D.s or professional degrees in medicine or pharmacy, where the long-term earning potential is substantial. The prevalence of roles like data scientist and computer research scientist among career paths highlights the program's rigor in computational chemistry and analytical skills, highly valued in Boston's tech-forward industries. Your BU degree, particularly in chemistry, can open doors to roles at local giants like Moderna, Biogen, or various research labs, or even pivot into software development and data analysis given the strong analytical training. To maximize your potential, actively seek out research opportunities and internships that blend your chemical knowledge with computational methods.

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

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

Chemistry at Other Schools

Other Majors at Boston University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 →