Chemistryat University of Virginia-Main Campus
Graduates earn $30,599/yr in their first year — about 26.0% below the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $712K; scenarios range from $622K to $726K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Virginia
A chemistry degree from UVA provides a rigorous scientific foundation, highly valued for its analytical and problem-solving training. However, bachelor's-level chemistry roles often require further specialization through graduate school for top-tier research or industry positions. Many UVA graduates leverage their strong quantitative skills to pivot into adjacent fields like data science, computational roles, or pre-health tracks, where the foundational scientific literacy is a significant asset. Your career trajectory will heavily depend on how you augment this degree—perhaps through a master's or PhD, or by aggressively pursuing internships in data analysis or software development. Consider exploring the numerous research opportunities available within the university, or seeking out internships in regions with strong biotech or pharmaceutical industries, as these experiences are crucial for distinguishing yourself.
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 Virginia'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 Virginia stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Virginia
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Virginia, 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 Virginia
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.