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Chemistry at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $48,886/yr (18% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

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

ROI 14.8x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #11 of 205 Chemistry programs Top 5%

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	$675K	$664K	$588K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.1x	14.8x	13.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.1x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	54%	38%
DegreeOutlook Score	68	68	64

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$44,820

Out-of-state: $162,412 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,712

-51% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,250

5.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$73,896

51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $48,886/yr, edging above the $41,256 national average for Chemistry — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 14.8x 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 $22,250 in median debt against $48,886 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks #11 among 205 Chemistry programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $48,886-to-$73,896 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

With a 43% acceptance rate, University of Wisconsin-Madison is moderately selective, with 35,665 students enrolled in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →

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

Compare Chemistry

Other Majors at University of Wisconsin-Madison

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 68/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

At 68/100, University of Wisconsin-Madison'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 Wisconsin-Madison?

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 Wisconsin-Madison one of the best schools for Chemistry?

Among 205 Chemistry programs, University of Wisconsin-Madison's #11 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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