Chemistryat The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Graduates earn $22,913/yr in their first year — about 44.0% below the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $723K; scenarios range from $630K to $737K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The earnings data for UTRGV Chemistry highlights the unique dynamics of the Rio Grande Valley job market. While a chemistry degree provides a robust scientific foundation, the immediate local demand isn't for high-paying, cutting-edge R&D roles often found in major biotech or pharmaceutical hubs. Instead, you'll likely find opportunities in K-12 education, local government labs, environmental analysis, or quality control for regional industries. Many of the higher-paying career paths listed, like data science or managerial roles, typically require significant further education—a master's or PhD—or specialized skill development beyond a bachelor's degree. To truly maximize your return, proactively pursue internships in your desired specialty and consider how a graduate degree or a minor in a complementary field, like computer science, can open doors to those more lucrative advanced roles.
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 University of Texas Rio Grande Valley'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 University of Texas Rio Grande Valley stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 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 University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley?
At 45/100, 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 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley?
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 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley a good choice for Chemistry despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.