Chemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings
$38,571/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk
High (47% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI
9.3x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
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 | $621K | $613K | $551K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.4x | 9.3x | 8.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.0x | 3.9x | 3.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 57% | 54% | 38% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 52 | 51 | 51 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.9x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,326
64% growth from Year 1
About Virginia Commonwealth University
With 93% of applicants admitted, Virginia Commonwealth University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 20,797 in Richmond, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth University →Top Career Paths
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Computer and information research scientists
$140,910/yr
Data scientists
$112,590/yr
Compare & Explore
Chemistry at Other Schools
Other Majors at Virginia Commonwealth University
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 Virginia Commonwealth University?
This program scores 51/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Chemistry programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $551,407 in decade earnings vs $620,560 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →