Chemistry at Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,015/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 25.5x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #140 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 $498K $498K $469K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 25.5x 25.5x 24.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 7.2x 6.8x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 51 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$19,516
Out-of-state: $69,296 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$32,004
-64% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,128
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,301
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $35,015/yr fall 15% below the $41,256 national median for Chemistry. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 25.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Chemistry programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Chemistry's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $22,128 represents roughly 8 months of the $35,015 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #140 of 205 Chemistry programs, Florida Atlantic University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $35,015 to $47,301 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University has a 73% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 23,458 students enrolled in Boca Raton, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at Florida Atlantic 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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemistry at Florida Atlantic University?
This program scores 51/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Chemistry programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $468,866 in decade earnings vs $498,390 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Chemistry from Florida Atlantic 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 →