Best Value Chemical Engineering Colleges in Massachusetts

MIT delivers the highest earning potential for chemical engineers at $80,964 annually, yet costs only $19,813 after aid thanks to generous need-based assistance. This creates an unusual situation where the most selective program becomes surprisingly affordable for many students. Massachusetts hosts major pharmaceutical companies like Biogen and Moderna alongside chemical manufacturers, providing strong job prospects. The state's public options at UMass Lowell and Amherst offer solid returns with net costs under $24,000.

Programs

$18,627 – $43,273

Net Price Range

$70,218

Avg. Program Earnings

86.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

6 Chemical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts	$19,813	$80,964	$60,156	96.1%	4.0%
2	University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, Massachusetts	$18,627	$63,501	$16,570	70.1%	86.0%
3	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, Massachusetts	$23,691	$58,303	$17,357	83.2%	63.5%
4	Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts	$32,116	$72,022	$63,141	90.4%	6.8%
5	Tufts University Medford, Massachusetts	$35,435	$73,635	$67,844	93.3%	9.7%
6	Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, Massachusetts	$43,273	$72,881	$59,070	88.4%	57.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains MIT's low net cost despite high tuition?

MIT meets 100% of demonstrated financial need through grants rather than loans. Students from families earning under $90,000 typically pay nothing, while those from middle-income families often pay less than $20,000 annually.

How do public programs compare for value?

UMass Lowell graduates earn $63,501 with a net cost of $18,627, creating strong return on investment. UMass Amherst offers similar value at $23,691 net cost, though graduates earn slightly less at $58,303 annually.

Is the high acceptance rate at UMass Lowell a concern?

The 86% acceptance rate reflects the program's capacity rather than quality issues. Graduates still achieve competitive salaries above $60,000, and the 70% graduation rate aligns with national averages for engineering programs.

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