Chemistry at West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,142
93% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Chemistry at Other Schools
Other Majors at West Virginia University
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 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 →