Chemistry at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,255/yr (-46% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #197 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 $357K $366K $374K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.9x 13.2x 13.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.6x 6.8x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,624
Out-of-state: $55,080 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,388
-46% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $22,255 place University of Arkansas-Fort Smith below the $41,256 national median for Chemistry — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 13.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 47% task exposure — and the -5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #197 out of 205 programs, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's financial outcomes for Chemistry trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 4,133 students in Fort Smith, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith →

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 University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Arkansas-Fort Smith's Chemistry program score?
This program scores 32/100 — on the lower end for Chemistry. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Chemistry to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Chemistry careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Chemistry earnings lower at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?
Lower starting pay at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →