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Chemistry at Murray State University

Murray, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $48,334/yr (17% vs median)

AI Risk High (47% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)

ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #108 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	$528K	$526K	$489K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.6x	13.5x	12.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.8x	6.8x	6.3x
Probability of Field Employment	57%	54%	38%
DegreeOutlook Score	56	56	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)

$38,832

Out-of-state: $77,808 (6.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$36,484

6% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,593

6.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $48,334 at Murray State University come in 17% above the national median of $41,256 for Chemistry programs.

With a 13.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,593 against $48,334/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #108 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places Murray State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Murray State University

Murray State University accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 6,646 students in Murray, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Murray State 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

Chemistry at Other Schools

Other Majors at Murray State 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 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at Murray State University?

At 56/100, 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 Murray State 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 →