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Chemistry at University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $43,013/yr (4% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #47 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	$700K	$688K	$605K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.8x	12.6x	11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.3x	4.2x	3.7x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	54%	38%
DegreeOutlook Score	62	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)

$54,504

Out-of-state: $164,380 (4.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$63,840

-17% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,219

6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$74,225

73% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $43,013/yr, roughly in line with the $41,256 national median for Chemistry. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 12.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,219 against $43,013/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Arizona ranks #47 among 205 Chemistry programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $43,013-to-$74,225 earnings arc over five years reflects a 73% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Arizona

University of Arizona accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 40,769 students enrolled in Tucson, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arizona →

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 of Arizona

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at University of Arizona?

At 62/100, University of Arizona'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 of Arizona?

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 of Arizona one of the best schools for Chemistry?

Among 205 Chemistry programs, University of Arizona's #47 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 →