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Chemistry at West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,891/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 17.9x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #99 of 205 Chemistry programs Top 50%

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 $702K $690K $607K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.2x 17.9x 15.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.3x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 60

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,592
Out-of-state: $109,440 (6.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,988
-35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,142
93% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,891/yr, roughly in line with the $41,256 national median for Chemistry. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 17.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $24,000 against $36,891/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #99 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places West Virginia University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $36,891-to-$71,142 earnings arc over five years reflects a 93% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About West Virginia University

West Virginia University accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 17,705 students in Morgantown, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at West Virginia University →

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

Compare this program → View all 205 schools offering Chemistry →

Chemistry at Other Schools

Northeastern University ($62,511) University of California-Berkeley ($59,576) Montclair State University ($55,389) Bridgewater State University ($55,376) University of Delaware ($54,055) Rowan University ($53,607) Towson University ($52,765) State University of New York at Oswego ($52,645)

Other Majors at West Virginia University

Mining and Mineral Engineering ($85,897) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($79,662) Computer Engineering ($76,314) Industrial Engineering ($75,606) Computer Science ($74,159) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($72,210) Mechanical Engineering ($71,504) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($71,298)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Chemistry trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at West Virginia University?
At 58/100, West Virginia University'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 West Virginia University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →