Home › University of Central Arkansas › Chemistry

Chemistry at University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,946/yr (-10% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #179 of 205 Chemistry programs

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	$453K	$456K	$438K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.2x	11.3x	10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.6x	6.6x	6.4x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	54%	38%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	43	45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,472

Out-of-state: $69,032 (6.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,100

-66% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

6.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $36,946/yr, Chemistry graduates from University of Central Arkansas land near the $41,256 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Chemistry programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Chemistry's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $20,500 represents roughly 7 months of the $36,946 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #179 of 205 Chemistry programs, University of Central Arkansas falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Central Arkansas

With 90% of applicants admitted, University of Central Arkansas prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 7,426 in Conway, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Central Arkansas →

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 Central Arkansas

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemistry at University of Central Arkansas?

A score of 43/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Chemistry. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Chemistry careers?

With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $438,431 in decade earnings vs $453,343 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

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