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Chemistry at University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,599/yr (-26% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 8.5x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #186 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	$726K	$712K	$622K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.6x	8.5x	7.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.1x	3.1x	2.7x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	54%	38%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	42	46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$83,944

Out-of-state: $232,056 (3.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$91,524

-9% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,000

7.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$69,058

126% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,599 place University of Virginia-Main Campus below the $41,256 national median for Chemistry — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 8.5x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,000 against $30,599/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #186 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places University of Virginia-Main Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $30,599-to-$69,058 earnings arc over five years reflects a 126% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Virginia-Main Campus

University of Virginia-Main Campus accepts 17% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a mid-sized student body of 17,315 in Charlottesville, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Virginia-Main Campus →

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 Virginia-Main Campus

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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at University of Virginia-Main Campus?

At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Chemistry programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Chemistry at University of Virginia-Main Campus?

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.

Is University of Virginia-Main Campus a good choice for Chemistry despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Virginia-Main Campus's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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