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Chemistry at Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
63
Optimistic
63
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,213/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 14.1x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #40 of 205 Chemistry programs Top 25%

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 $569K $564K $517K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.2x 14.1x 12.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.9x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 63 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,968
Out-of-state: $115,176 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,780
-40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,928
27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Purdue University-Main Campus's Chemistry graduates start at $47,213/yr — above the $41,256 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 14.1x 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $19,500 in median debt clears quickly against $47,213 in annual earnings.

Purdue University-Main Campus ranks #40 among 205 Chemistry programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 27% earnings increase from $47,213 to $59,928 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Purdue University-Main Campus

Purdue University-Main Campus's 50% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 39,637 students in West Lafayette, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Purdue University-Main Campus →

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 Purdue University-Main Campus

Computer Science ($94,786) Computer Engineering ($89,965) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,300) Industrial Engineering ($81,379) Chemical Engineering ($81,105) Mechanical Engineering ($80,374) Materials Engineering ($78,265) Construction Engineering ($76,966)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Chemistry trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at Purdue University-Main Campus?
At 63/100, Purdue University-Main Campus'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 Purdue University-Main Campus?
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 Purdue University-Main Campus one of the best schools for Chemistry?
Among 205 Chemistry programs, Purdue University-Main Campus's #40 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →