Chemistryat Cornell University
Graduates earn $28,372/yr in their first year — about 31.0% below the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $638K; scenarios range from $570K to $648K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Cornell University
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.
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 Cornell University'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 Cornell University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Cornell University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Cornell University, 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 Cornell University
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.