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Chemistry at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $45,310/yr (10% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #26 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	$774K	$757K	$655K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.7x	12.4x	10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.1x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	54%	38%
DegreeOutlook Score	66	65	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)

$61,060

Out-of-state: $184,168 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$47,000

23% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,050

4.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$83,272

84% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $45,310 per year, Chemistry graduates from University of California-San Diego earn slightly above the $41,256 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 12.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $16,050 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

University of California-San Diego ranks #26 among 205 Chemistry programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $45,310-to-$83,272 earnings arc over five years reflects a 84% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-San Diego

A 25% acceptance rate puts University of California-San Diego in competitive admissions territory, one of the larger campuses at 33,787 students in La Jolla, CA.

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

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-San Diego

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 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at University of California-San Diego?

At 65/100, University of California-San Diego'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 California-San Diego?

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 California-San Diego one of the best schools for Chemistry?

Among 205 Chemistry programs, University of California-San Diego's #26 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 →