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Physical Sciences · Chemistry Rank #204 of 205

Chemistryat Mercer University

Graduates earn $25,151/yr in their first year — about 39.0% below the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $383K; scenarios range from $386K to $376K depending on AI disruption.

Macon, GA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
26 AT RISK
27
Optimistic
28
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,151
1-year post-graduation
ROI
0.5x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$383K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
49% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Mercer University

A chemistry degree from Mercer, situated in the Central Georgia labor market, presents unique career challenges that necessitate proactive planning. While the program offers a solid scientific foundation, the immediate regional economy isn't a major hub for high-paying R&D or pharmaceutical roles directly out of a bachelor's degree. Many graduates find themselves in entry-level lab technician positions, quality control, or pivoting to other fields. The high AI risk also signals increasing automation in traditional lab and data analysis roles, which could further impact entry-level opportunities. Pursuing higher-earning paths like data science or management typically requires significant additional education or specialized technical skills beyond a bachelor's in chemistry alone. To thrive, you'll need to strategically seek out internships early, potentially minor in a quantitative field like computer science, or plan for graduate school to develop a specialized, in-demand niche.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$386K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score28/100
Earnings Multiple2.4x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$383K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score26/100
Earnings Multiple2.3x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$376K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score27/100
Earnings Multiple2.3x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Mercer University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Chemistry graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Computer and information research scientists
+19.7% 10-yr growth · 3,200 openings/yr
$140,910/yr
High
3
Data scientists
+33.5% 10-yr growth · 23,400 openings/yr
$112,590/yr
High
4
Computer occupations, all other
+8.2% 10-yr growth · 31,300 openings/yr
$108,970/yr
High
5
Physics teachers, postsecondary
+2.5% 10-yr growth · 1,300 openings/yr
$97,360/yr
Moderate
6
Environmental science teachers, postsecondary
+2.9% 10-yr growth · 700 openings/yr
$87,710/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Chemistry

How Mercer University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Northeastern University
MA · Private nonprofit
61
DW Score
$63K
1-yr earn
2.8x
ROI
University of California-Berkeley
CA · Public
64
DW Score
$60K
1-yr earn
10.0x
ROI
Montclair State University
NJ · Public
56
DW Score
$55K
1-yr earn
8.4x
ROI
Bridgewater State University
MA · Public
72
DW Score
$55K
1-yr earn
17.2x
ROI
University of Delaware
DE · Public
66
DW Score
$54K
1-yr earn
11.0x
ROI
Also at Mercer University

Other top programs at Mercer University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Mercer University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Chemistry offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Chemistry trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Chemistry at Mercer University

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.