Home › University at Albany › Chemistry

Chemistry at University at Albany

Albany, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $48,276/yr (17% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)

ROI 14.9x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #23 of 205 Chemistry programs Top 25%

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	$627K	$619K	$556K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.1x	14.9x	13.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.4x	5.3x	4.8x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	54%	38%
DegreeOutlook Score	67	66	62

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,632

Out-of-state: $115,992 (5.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,944

-78% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,250

5.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$67,794

40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $48,276/yr, edging above the $41,256 national average for Chemistry — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 14.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,250 in median debt against $48,276 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University at Albany ranks #23 among 205 Chemistry programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 40% earnings increase from $48,276 to $67,794 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University at Albany

With a 70% acceptance rate, University at Albany is moderately selective, serving 12,100 students in Albany, NY. With 42% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Albany →

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 University at Albany

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 66/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at University at Albany?

At 66/100, University at Albany'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 University at Albany?

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 University at Albany one of the best schools for Chemistry?

Among 205 Chemistry programs, University at Albany's #23 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →