Chemistry at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,516/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (169,700 openings/yr)
ROI 18.9x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #127 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 $690K $678K $599K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.2x 18.9x 16.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.4x 4.3x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 57% 54% 38%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,956
Out-of-state: $157,320 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,932
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,000
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,202
107% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,516 per year, Chemistry graduates from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earn below the $41,256 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Chemistry programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Chemistry's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 13% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $14,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #127 of 205 Chemistry programs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $67,202 show a 107% jump from the $32,516 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

A 19% acceptance rate puts University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in competitive admissions territory, serving a student body of 20,556 in Chapel Hill, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill →

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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemistry at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
This program scores 53/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Chemistry programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Chemistry careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $598,599 in decade earnings vs $690,408 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Chemistry from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →