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Chemistry at University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,700/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #117 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 $642K $633K $566K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.0x 10.9x 9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.5x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,240
Out-of-state: $181,348 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,428
-14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,290
67% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,700 track close to the $41,256 national median for Chemistry programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 10.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Chemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,000 in median debt against $39,700 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #117 ranking among 205 Chemistry programs places University of California-Santa Cruz in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $39,700-to-$66,290 earnings arc over five years reflects a 67% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Santa Cruz

With a 63% acceptance rate, University of California-Santa Cruz is moderately selective, with a mid-sized student body of 17,812 in Santa Cruz, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Cruz →

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 University of California-Santa Cruz

Computer Engineering ($79,969) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,842) Computer Science ($75,150) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($55,856) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($55,773) Business/Managerial Economics ($52,029) Economics ($50,518) Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences ($45,088)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Chemistry trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Chemistry at University of California-Santa Cruz?
At 55/100, the score looks reasonable — but Chemistry is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Chemistry at University of California-Santa Cruz?
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 →