Chemistry at Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
58
Optimistic
58
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,482/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.4x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #95 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 $564K $560K $513K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.5x 13.4x 12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.2x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 58 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,796
Out-of-state: $134,868 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,632
-9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,743
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,028
37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $42,482/yr, Chemistry graduates from Indiana University-Indianapolis land near the $41,256 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 13.4x 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.

The median debt load of $20,743 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #95 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places Indiana University-Indianapolis in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 37% earnings increase from $42,482 to $58,028 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Indiana University-Indianapolis

With 81% of applicants admitted, Indiana University-Indianapolis prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 16,582 in Indianapolis, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University-Indianapolis →

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

Chemistry at Other Schools

Other Majors at Indiana University-Indianapolis

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 Indiana University-Indianapolis?
At 58/100, Indiana University-Indianapolis'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 Indiana University-Indianapolis?
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 →