Chemistry at University of South Florida

Tampa, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,399/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 24.0x earnings multiple (8.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #153 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 $623K $616K $553K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.3x 24.0x 21.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.0x 8.9x 8.0x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$25,640
Out-of-state: $69,296 (8.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,172
-57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,750
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,727
100% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $29,399/yr fall 29% below the $41,256 national median for Chemistry. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 24.0x 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 11% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $16,750 represents roughly 7 months of the $29,399 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #153 of 205 Chemistry programs, University of South Florida falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $58,727 show a 100% jump from the $29,399 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of South Florida

With a 41% acceptance rate, University of South Florida is moderately selective, with 36,299 students enrolled in Tampa, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Florida →

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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemistry at University of South Florida?
A score of 49/100 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 $553,348 in decade earnings vs $623,434 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Chemistry from University of South Florida?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →