Chemistry at University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,881/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 17.5x earnings multiple (12.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #88 of 205 Chemistry programs Top 50%

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 $739K $724K $631K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.9x 17.5x 15.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 12.5x 12.2x 10.7x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 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)
$41,376
Out-of-state: $59,136 (12.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,012
-28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,250
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,721
103% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,881/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 17.5x 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 15% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,250 represents roughly 6 months of the $36,881 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #88 of 205 Chemistry programs, University of Memphis scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $74,721 show a 103% jump from the $36,881 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Memphis

University of Memphis accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 13,645 students in Memphis, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Memphis →

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 Memphis

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 Memphis?
A score of 59/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Chemistry field.
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 $631,361 in decade earnings vs $738,900 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →