Chemistry at Rutgers University-Newark

Newark, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
62
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,949/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.5x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #53 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 $708K $695K $611K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.7x 10.5x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 4.9x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 62 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)
$66,344
Out-of-state: $141,392 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,628
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,250
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,056
69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,949 at Rutgers University-Newark come in 9% above the national median of $41,256 for Chemistry programs.

With a 10.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $44,949 far exceeding the $19,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #53 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places Rutgers University-Newark in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $44,949-to-$76,056 earnings arc over five years reflects a 69% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Rutgers University-Newark

Rutgers University-Newark accepts 79% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 7,187 students in Newark, NJ. 56% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Rutgers University-Newark →

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 Rutgers University-Newark

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at Rutgers University-Newark?
At 62/100, Rutgers University-Newark'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 Rutgers University-Newark?
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 →