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Chemistry at Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,919/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 1.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #193 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 $466K $468K $447K
Earnings Multiple 1.8x 1.8x 1.7x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$257,840
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$167,112
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,750
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Southern Methodist University's Chemistry program produces graduates earning $38,919/yr — within striking distance of the $41,256 national average for this field.

At 1.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,750 against $38,919/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #193 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places Southern Methodist University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University's 61% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 7,106 in Dallas, TX. The average net cost of $167,112 over four years represents a 35% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Methodist 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

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 Southern Methodist University

Computer Science ($93,679) Finance and Financial Management Services ($83,159) Mechanical Engineering ($79,280) Statistics ($76,759) Mathematics ($74,516) Operations Research ($72,658) Economics ($71,630) Accounting and Related Services ($68,643)

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 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at Southern Methodist University?
At 38/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Chemistry programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemistry at Southern Methodist 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 →