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Chemistry at Hope College

Holland, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,199/yr (-49% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 5.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #196 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 $834K $814K $696K
Earnings Multiple 5.2x 5.0x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$161,680
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$102,996
36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,636
15.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,029
221% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,199 per year, Chemistry graduates from Hope College earn below the $41,256 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 5.0x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #196 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places Hope College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $21,199-to-$68,029 earnings arc over five years reflects a 221% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Hope College

With 76% of applicants admitted, Hope College prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 3,274 students in Holland, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $102,996 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Hope College →

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 Hope College

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($72,146) Engineering, General ($67,410) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($61,325) Accounting and Related Services ($61,120) Special Education and Teaching ($48,630) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($45,590) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($45,137) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,046)

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 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at Hope College?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Chemistry programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Chemistry degree from Hope College?
At $26,636 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemistry at Hope College?
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.
Is Hope College a good choice for Chemistry despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Hope College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →