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Chemistry at University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,018/yr (-5% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #97 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	$681K	$670K	$592K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.4x	13.2x	11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.9x	4.8x	4.2x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	54%	38%
DegreeOutlook Score	58	58	58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,752

Out-of-state: $139,736 (4.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$98,128

-93% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,263

7.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$70,138

80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,018/yr, Chemistry graduates from University of South Carolina-Columbia land near the $41,256 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 13.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,263 against $39,018/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #97 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places University of South Carolina-Columbia in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $39,018-to-$70,138 earnings arc over five years reflects a 80% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of South Carolina-Columbia

University of South Carolina-Columbia accepts 61% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 28,113 in Columbia, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina-Columbia →

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 South Carolina-Columbia

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 does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

At 58/100, University of South Carolina-Columbia's Chemistry program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Chemistry at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

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