Chemistry at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings
$33,972/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI
13.8x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
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 | $434K | $437K | $425K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 13.7x | 13.8x | 13.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.5x | 5.5x | 5.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 57% | 54% | 38% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 42 | 42 | 44 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (5.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
A 99% acceptance rate means California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 5,491 in Arcata, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →Top Career Paths
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Computer and information research scientists
$140,910/yr
Data scientists
$112,590/yr
Compare & Explore
Chemistry at Other Schools
Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
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
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemistry at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Chemistry. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Chemistry careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $425,317 in decade earnings vs $433,933 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Chemistry from California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →