Chemistryat University of California-San Diego
Graduates earn $45,310/yr in their first year — about 10.0% above the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $757K; scenarios range from $655K to $774K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UC San Diego
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.
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 UC San Diego'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 UC San Diego stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UC San Diego
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UC San Diego, 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 UC San Diego
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.