Chemistry at George Mason University

Fairfax, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
61
Optimistic
60
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,304/yr (22% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #82 of 205 Chemistry programs Top 50%

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 $569K $564K $517K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.3x 10.2x 9.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 60 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)
$55,260
Out-of-state: $157,588 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,148
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,504
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,676
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $50,304/yr, edging above the $41,256 national average for Chemistry — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.2x 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 9% gap from the optimistic case.

At $20,504 in median debt against $50,304 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #82 of 205 Chemistry programs, George Mason University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $50,304 to $60,676 over five years — a 21% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About George Mason University

George Mason University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 27,083 students in Fairfax, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at George Mason 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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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemistry at George Mason University?
A score of 60/100 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 $516,608 in decade earnings vs $569,054 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →