Chemistry at College of the Holy Cross

Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
55
Optimistic
54
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,313/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #122 of 205 Chemistry programs

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 $779K $761K $658K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.1x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 54 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$243,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$147,472
39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,834
79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

College of the Holy Cross's Chemistry graduates start at $47,313/yr — above the $41,256 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $47,313/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #122 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places College of the Holy Cross in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $47,313-to-$84,834 earnings arc over five years reflects a 79% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About College of the Holy Cross

Admission to College of the Holy Cross is competitive, with 21% of applicants accepted, a smaller institution with 3,015 students in Worcester, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $147,472 — 39% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at College of the Holy Cross →

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 College of the Holy Cross

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at College of the Holy Cross?
At 54/100, the score looks reasonable — but Chemistry is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemistry at College of the Holy Cross?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →