Chemistry at California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
62
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,402/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 20.5x earnings multiple (8.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #48 of 205 Chemistry programs Top 25%

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 $639K $630K $564K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.8x 20.5x 18.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.2x 8.1x 7.2x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 62

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,700
Out-of-state: $78,220 (8.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$23,672
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,276
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,198
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,402/yr, roughly in line with the $41,256 national median for Chemistry. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 20.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $40,402 far exceeding the $16,276 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

California State University-San Bernardino ranks #48 among 205 Chemistry programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $40,402-to-$66,198 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-San Bernardino

California State University-San Bernardino accepts 98% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 15,771 students in San Bernardino, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 57% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-San Bernardino →

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 California State University-San Bernardino

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at California State University-San Bernardino?
At 62/100, California State University-San Bernardino'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-San Bernardino?
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.
Is California State University-San Bernardino one of the best schools for Chemistry?
Among 205 Chemistry programs, California State University-San Bernardino's #48 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →