Chemistry at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,698/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.3x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #54 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 $696K $684K $603K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.5x 13.3x 11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.5x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 60

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,436
Out-of-state: $153,460 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,168
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,500
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,644
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Ohio State University-Main Campus's Chemistry program produces graduates earning $42,698/yr — within striking distance of the $41,256 national average for this field.

With a 13.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,500 against $42,698/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #54 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places Ohio State University-Main Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $42,698-to-$73,644 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State University-Main Campus's 51% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with 44,617 students enrolled in Columbus, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio State University-Main Campus →

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 Ohio State University-Main Campus

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 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
At 62/100, Ohio State University-Main Campus's Chemistry program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemistry at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →