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Chemistry at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $59,576/yr (44% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 9.8x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #31 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	$589K	$583K	$530K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.9x	9.8x	8.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.2x	3.2x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	54%	38%
DegreeOutlook Score	65	64	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)

$59,400

Out-of-state: $182,508 (3.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,916

-1% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$11,077

2.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$65,228

9% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $59,576 per year, Chemistry graduates from University of California-Berkeley significantly outpace the $41,256 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 9.8x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $11,077 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #31 out of 205 programs, University of California-Berkeley's Chemistry program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $59,576 to $65,228 over five years (9% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About University of California-Berkeley

With just 12% of applicants admitted, University of California-Berkeley ranks among the nation's most selective schools, one of the larger campuses at 33,073 students in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

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 California-Berkeley

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

How does University of California-Berkeley's Chemistry program score?

This program scores 64/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Chemistry graduates.

How vulnerable is Chemistry to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Chemistry careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why does University of California-Berkeley rank so high for Chemistry?

The #31 ranking out of 205 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

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