Skip to main content

Chemistry Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Chemistry students can earn their degree for as little as $2,446 annually at CUNY Hunter College, where graduates earn $21,964 within six years of completing their studies. The City University of New York system dominates affordable chemistry education, claiming seven of the top 15 spots with net costs under $5,000. While most programs cluster between $3,000-$5,000 yearly, standout Berea College charges $4,483 despite a sticker price of $49,326, thanks to its unique work-study model that covers most expenses. California's chemical manufacturing sector, which employs over 40,000 workers statewide, creates steady demand for graduates from Cal State programs in Los Angeles and Carson. The data reveals significant variation in outcomes even among similarly priced programs, with Hunter College achieving a 61% graduation rate compared to just 19.4% at CUNY's New York City College of Technology, despite both charging under $5,000 annually.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $8,155
Net Price Range
$28,482
Avg. Program Earnings
43.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
4 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
5 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
6 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
7 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
8 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
9 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
10 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
11 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
12 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
13 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
14 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
15 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
16 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
17 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
18 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
19 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
20 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
21 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
22 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
23 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
24 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
25 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
26 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
27 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
28 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
29 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
30 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
31 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
32 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
33 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
34 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
35 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
36 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
37 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
38 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
39 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
40 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
41 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
42 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
43 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
44 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
45 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
46 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
47 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
48 $8,036 $5,580 35.4% 33.3%
49 $8,130 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
50 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for chemistry students?

CUNY institutions benefit from substantial New York State funding that keeps in-state tuition around $7,400 across the system. Students receive additional need-based aid that reduces net costs to between $2,446-$4,783 annually. Hunter College leads with the lowest net cost at $2,446 while maintaining a strong 61% graduation rate. Seven CUNY campuses rank among the 15 most affordable chemistry programs nationwide.

How do graduation rates vary among these affordable programs?

Graduation rates span from 19.4% at CUNY New York City College of Technology to 62% at Berea College, showing that low cost doesn't guarantee similar outcomes. Hunter College and Queens College both exceed 60% graduation rates while charging under $4,000 annually. Ohio University-Eastern Campus struggles with just a 20% graduation rate despite moderate costs. Students should research specific program support services beyond price alone.

Does Berea College really cost under $5,000 despite its $49,326 sticker price?

Berea College charges no tuition to any student and requires all students to work 10-15 hours weekly in campus jobs that cover most expenses. The $4,483 net cost represents room, board, and fees after the college's unique financial aid model. Students graduate with minimal debt while gaining work experience. The college maintains a selective 24.58% acceptance rate and achieves a 62% graduation rate.

What earning potential do graduates from these programs have?

Chemistry graduates from affordable programs earn between $10,925-$32,563 six years after graduation, with significant variation even among similarly priced schools. CUNY City College graduates earn $25,194 annually despite a net cost of just $3,486. Brooklyn College shows the lowest earnings at $10,925, suggesting location and program focus impact career outcomes. Hunter College balances low costs with solid $21,964 graduate earnings.

Where do most affordable chemistry programs concentrate geographically?

New York dominates with eight CUNY campuses offering chemistry programs under $5,000 annually across all five boroughs. California contributes two Cal State programs in Los Angeles and Carson areas. The remaining affordable options scatter across Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Puerto Rico, and Texas. This geographic concentration reflects state funding priorities and urban public university systems serving large student populations.

More Chemistry Rankings

Cheapest Chemistry Best Value Chemistry

Related

All Chemistry Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.