Chemistry at Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
48
Optimistic
48
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,940/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #161 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 $785K $768K $663K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.3x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 48 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$235,056
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,492
68% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,184
103% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,940/yr, Chemistry graduates from Kalamazoo College land near the $41,256 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $39,940/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #161 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places Kalamazoo College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $39,940-to-$81,184 earnings arc over five years reflects a 103% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Kalamazoo College

With 76% of applicants admitted, Kalamazoo College prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,175 students in Kalamazoo, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $75,492 — 68% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Kalamazoo College →

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 Kalamazoo College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at Kalamazoo College?
At 48/100, 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 Kalamazoo College?
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.
What do students actually pay for Chemistry at Kalamazoo College?
The 68% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $235,056. At a net cost of $75,492, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →