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Chemistry at Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $48,147/yr (17% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)

ROI 11.9x earnings multiple (8.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #38 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	$606K	$599K	$542K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.0x	11.9x	10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.4x	8.3x	7.5x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	54%	38%
DegreeOutlook Score	63	63	59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,452

Out-of-state: $71,892 (8.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,260

-27% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,391

5.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$65,091

35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $48,147/yr, edging above the $41,256 national average for Chemistry — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 11.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,391 in median debt against $48,147 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Cleveland State University ranks #38 among 205 Chemistry programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 35% earnings increase from $48,147 to $65,091 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 9,077 students in Cleveland, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Cleveland State 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 Cleveland State 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

What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at Cleveland State University?

At 63/100, Cleveland State University'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 Cleveland State University?

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 Cleveland State University one of the best schools for Chemistry?

Among 205 Chemistry programs, Cleveland State University's #38 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 →