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Chemistry at University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,614/yr (-4% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 13.1x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #163 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	$471K	$472K	$450K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.1x	13.1x	12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.5x	4.5x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	54%	38%
DegreeOutlook Score	49	48	48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$35,976

Out-of-state: $103,800 (4.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$61,608

-71% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,250

4.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $39,614/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 13.1x 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.

With first-year pay of $39,614 far exceeding the $16,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #163 of 205 Chemistry programs, University of Nevada-Reno falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Nevada-Reno

University of Nevada-Reno accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 15,723 in Reno, NV.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nevada-Reno →

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 Nevada-Reno

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 Nevada-Reno?

A score of 48/100 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 $450,197 in decade earnings vs $470,758 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

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