Chemistry at Florida International University

Miami, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
53
Optimistic
52
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,660/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 28.4x earnings multiple (9.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #132 of 205 Chemistry programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data for FIU Chemistry graduates reflects a unique regional labor market rather than a lack of academic rigor. Miami’s economy, while diverse and robust, isn't a traditional hub for large-scale chemical manufacturing or pharmaceutical R&D, which often drive higher salaries for chemistry majors in other parts of the country. Instead, many graduates leverage their strong analytical skills in adjacent fields like healthcare, environmental analysis, or even pivot into rapidly growing areas like data science and computational roles, as indicated by common career paths. This transition can sometimes mean initial roles that don't fully capitalize on a specialized chemistry background, leading to more varied early career outcomes. To maximize your potential, strategically pursue internships in biotech, environmental consulting, or analytical labs prevalent in Florida, and consider supplementing your chemistry foundation with strong programming or data analysis skills to open doors in Miami's broader tech and service sectors.

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 $763K $747K $648K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 29.0x 28.4x 24.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.1x 9.8x 8.5x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 53 52 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$26,260
Out-of-state: $75,852 (9.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$36,532
-39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,240
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,638
146% growth from Year 1

About Florida International University

With a 59% acceptance rate, Florida International University is moderately selective, with 38,761 students enrolled in Miami, FL. With 40% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Florida International 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

Chemistry at Other Schools

Other Majors at Florida International 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 Florida International University?
This program scores 52/100 — 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 $647,540 in decade earnings vs $762,848 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Chemistry from Florida International 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 →