Chemistry at University of Idaho

Moscow, ID · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,664/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #168 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 $465K $466K $446K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.2x 13.2x 12.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,264
Out-of-state: $119,136 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,128
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,508
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,664/yr, roughly in line with the $41,256 national median for Chemistry. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.2x 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 4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,508 represents roughly 8 months of the $38,664 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #168 of 205 Chemistry programs, University of Idaho falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Idaho

University of Idaho accepts 79% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 7,363 in Moscow, ID.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Idaho →

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

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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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemistry at University of Idaho?
A score of 47/100 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 $446,008 in decade earnings vs $464,557 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →