Chemistry at Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings
$34,512/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI
20.3x earnings multiple (9.9x out-of-state)
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 | $846K | $825K | $704K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 20.9x | 20.3x | 17.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 10.2x | 9.9x | 8.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 57% | 54% | 38% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 59 | 58 | 61 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,520
Out-of-state: $83,280 (9.9x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,025
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$82,608
139% growth from Year 1
About Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 11,674 students in Richmond, KY.
See all programs and financial aid at Eastern Kentucky University →Top Career Paths
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Computer and information research scientists
$140,910/yr
Data scientists
$112,590/yr
Compare & Explore
Chemistry at Other Schools
Other Majors at Eastern Kentucky University
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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemistry at Eastern Kentucky University?
A score of 58/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Chemistry field.
Will AI replace Chemistry careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $703,654 in decade earnings vs $845,900 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Chemistry from Eastern Kentucky University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →