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Chemistry at College of Charleston

Charleston, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
53
Optimistic
52
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,208/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.0x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #135 of 205 Chemistry programs

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 $575K $570K $521K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.1x 11.0x 10.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 53 52 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,912
Out-of-state: $147,432 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,072
-50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,303
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,208 track close to the $41,256 national median for Chemistry programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 11.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $39,208/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #135 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places College of Charleston in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 49% earnings increase from $39,208 to $58,303 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About College of Charleston

College of Charleston has a 72% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 10,366 students in Charleston, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at College of Charleston →

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 College of Charleston

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($67,438) Information Science/Studies ($63,069) Finance and Financial Management Services ($54,634) Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($49,786) Accounting and Related Services ($49,702) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($41,402) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($41,299) Marketing ($40,723)

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 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at College of Charleston?
At 52/100, the score looks reasonable — but Chemistry is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemistry at College of Charleston?
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 →