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Chemistry at Mercer University

Macon, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,151/yr (-39% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)

ROI 2.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #204 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	$376K	$383K	$386K
Earnings Multiple	2.3x	2.3x	2.4x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	54%	38%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	26	28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$163,560

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$89,400

45% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,500

12.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $25,151 per year, Chemistry graduates from Mercer University earn below the $41,256 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The -3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #204 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places Mercer University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Mercer University

Mercer University accepts 66% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,620 students in Macon, GA. The average net cost of $89,400 over four years represents a 45% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Mercer 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 Mercer 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 does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at Mercer University?

At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Chemistry programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Chemistry degree from Mercer University?

At $25,500 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Chemistry at Mercer University?

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.

Is Mercer University a good choice for Chemistry despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Mercer University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →