Chemistryat Northeastern University
Graduates earn $62,511/yr in their first year — about 52.0% above the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $792K; scenarios range from $680K to $811K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Northeastern University
Northeastern's renowned co-op program is a significant driver behind the robust early career outcomes. Your chemistry degree isn't just theoretical; you're gaining invaluable, paid experience with leading biotech, pharmaceutical, and tech firms across the vibrant Boston ecosystem. This hands-on application directly explains how graduates pivot into diverse, high-earning roles like data science or project management, leveraging their strong analytical and problem-solving foundations. The "high AI risk" reflects the increasing automation in chemical research and the demand for computational skills, not necessarily a threat if embraced. To truly maximize your potential, actively seek co-op placements that integrate data analysis, programming, or automation, positioning yourself at the forefront of these evolving fields.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Northeastern University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Chemistry
How Northeastern University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Northeastern University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Northeastern 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 →Frequently asked about Chemistry at Northeastern University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemistry at Northeastern University?
A score of 61/100 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 $680,384 in decade earnings vs $811,460 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.