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Chemistry at Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,555/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #178 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 $503K $502K $472K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$203,856
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,480
58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,933
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,555 at Pacific Lutheran University come in 8% above the national median of $41,256 for Chemistry programs.

At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,933 against $44,555/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #178 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places Pacific Lutheran University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 2,350 students in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $85,480 — 58% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Pacific Lutheran 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

Compare this program → View all 205 schools offering Chemistry →

Chemistry at Other Schools

Northeastern University ($62,511) University of California-Berkeley ($59,576) Montclair State University ($55,389) Bridgewater State University ($55,376) University of Delaware ($54,055) Rowan University ($53,607) Towson University ($52,765) State University of New York at Oswego ($52,645)

Other Majors at Pacific Lutheran University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($81,761) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($78,055) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($57,683) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($57,624) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($52,919) Economics ($43,806) Political Science and Government ($41,518) Biology, General ($36,766)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Chemistry trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at Pacific Lutheran University?
At 44/100, 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 Pacific Lutheran 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.
What do students actually pay for Chemistry at Pacific Lutheran University?
The 58% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $203,856. At a net cost of $85,480, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →