Chemistryat California State University-Fullerton
Graduates earn $45,076/yr in their first year — about 9.0% above the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $506K; scenarios range from $474K to $506K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at CSU Fullerton
Graduates earn $45,076/yr, edging above the $41,256 national average for Chemistry — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
With a 17.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $17,377 in median debt against $45,076 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
A #102 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places California State University-Fullerton in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to CSU Fullerton's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Chemistry
How CSU Fullerton stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at CSU Fullerton
Other highest-scoring programs offered at CSU Fullerton, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Chemistry offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Chemistry trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Chemistry at CSU Fullerton
What does a 57/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at California State University-Fullerton?
At 57/100, California State University-Fullerton's Chemistry program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemistry at California State University-Fullerton?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.