Chemistry at Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $62,511/yr (52% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #61 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 $811K $792K $680K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.1x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,564
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,464
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,641
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$95,388
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $62,511 per year, Chemistry graduates from Northeastern University significantly outpace the $41,256 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

An earnings multiple of 3.1x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Chemistry's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $21,641 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #61 of 205 Chemistry programs, Northeastern University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $95,388 show a 53% jump from the $62,511 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Northeastern University

With just 6% of applicants admitted, Northeastern University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving 15,719 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $128,464 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern 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

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Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemistry at Northeastern University?
A score of 61/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Chemistry field.
Will AI replace Chemistry careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $680,384 in decade earnings vs $811,460 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →