Program Analysis
At $38,571/yr, Chemistry graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University land near the $41,256 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.3x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
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 $20,500 represents roughly 6 months of the $38,571 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #145 of 205 Chemistry programs, Virginia Commonwealth University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $63,326 show a 64% jump from the $38,571 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.