Chemistryat University of Richmond
Graduates earn $22,881/yr in their first year — about 45.0% below the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $369K; scenarios range from $376K to $362K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Richmond
A chemistry degree from a liberal arts institution like Richmond often serves as a strong foundation for advanced studies, rather than a direct pipeline to high-paying industrial positions with only a bachelor's. Many graduates pursue medical school, Ph.D. programs, or enter roles like lab technicians, where compensation can be modest, especially early in your career. The Richmond area's labor market for entry-level B.S. chemists is not as robust as major biopharma or chemical industry hubs, often requiring graduates to seek opportunities elsewhere or pivot. The high AI risk further suggests that routine lab tasks are increasingly automated, demanding more specialized skills. To maximize your return, consider pairing your chemistry background with data science, engineering, or pre-med tracks, and be prepared to pursue graduate education to unlock higher-earning scientific and managerial careers.
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 University of Richmond'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 University of Richmond stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Richmond
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Richmond, 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 University of Richmond
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemistry at University of Richmond?
A score of 31/100 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 $376,411 in decade earnings vs $361,546 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Chemistry from University of Richmond?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.