Chemistry at University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
58
Optimistic
58
Base Case
58
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,263
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,138
80% growth from Year 1
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
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 →