Home › Cornell University › Chemistry

Chemistry at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,372/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #205 of 205 Chemistry programs

Program Analysis

Cornell's Chemistry program provides a rigorous foundation, but understand that initial earnings outcomes often reflect a common path for chemistry majors: many pursue advanced degrees, whether Ph.D.s for research careers or medical school. For those entering the workforce directly, entry-level lab or quality control roles in industries like pharmaceuticals or materials science often require time to gain experience before significant salary growth. Your high AI risk potential highlights the increasing automation in routine lab procedures and data analysis, making it crucial to develop computational or interdisciplinary skills. Leverage Cornell's deep research connections and alumni network early on. Proactively seeking internships that expose you to diverse applications, from biotech R&D to data science, will be key to shaping a lucrative career trajectory.

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 $648K $638K $570K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,056
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$129,348
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,121
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,338
113% growth from Year 1

About Cornell University

Cornell University's 8% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, enrolling 15,935 students in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $129,348 over four years — 51% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell 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

Compare this program → View all 205 schools offering Chemistry →

Chemistry at Other Schools

Northeastern University ($62,511) University of California-Berkeley ($59,576) Montclair State University ($55,389) Bridgewater State University ($55,376) University of Delaware ($54,055) Towson University ($52,765) University of Houston ($50,717) California State University-Long Beach ($50,553)

Other Majors at Cornell University

Computer Science ($152,656) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($103,650) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($100,516) Operations Research ($96,377) Agricultural Business and Management ($92,163) Mathematics ($87,251) Chemical Engineering ($85,578) Mechanical Engineering ($85,440)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Chemistry trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →

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 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at Cornell University?
At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Chemistry programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemistry at Cornell 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 Cornell University a good choice for Chemistry despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Cornell University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Chemistry at Cornell University?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,056. At a net cost of $129,348, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →