Best Value Chemical Engineering Colleges in Ohio

Youngstown State University delivers the strongest return on investment for Chemical Engineering students in Ohio, with graduates earning $75,204 annually while paying just $11,877 in net costs. This creates a remarkable value proposition in a state where Chemical Engineering programs range from $4,503 to $38,909 annually. Ohio's manufacturing backbone, anchored by companies like Honda and major chemical producers, creates steady demand for these graduates. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans nearly $18,000, with Youngstown State graduates out-earning even those from Case Western Reserve University despite paying 70% less. Public universities dominate the value equation, with five of the top six spots going to state schools. Ohio University's regional campuses offer the lowest entry costs at under $7,000, though their graduation rates hover around 20%. The state's Chemical Engineering programs serve industries from petrochemicals to pharmaceuticals, with Cleveland's medical device sector and Columbus's research facilities providing additional career pathways beyond traditional manufacturing roles.

Programs

$4,503 – $38,909

Net Price Range

$68,150

Avg. Program Earnings

52.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Chemical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Youngstown State University Youngstown, Ohio	$11,877	$75,204	$10,791	52.9%	80.6%
2	University of Akron Main Campus Akron, Ohio	$14,981	$71,015	$12,799	48.2%	82.9%
3	University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio	$17,460	$72,742	$12,377	55.6%	92.2%
4	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, Ohio	$18,292	$69,561	$12,859	87.7%	52.7%
5	Cleveland State University Cleveland, Ohio	$16,065	$60,061	$12,613	48.9%	85.3%
6	University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, Ohio	$23,156	$70,456	$13,570	71.5%	86.2%
7	Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, Ohio	$20,413	$57,318	$13,746	66.4%	86.5%
8	Miami University-Oxford Oxford, Ohio	$27,662	$66,541	$17,809	81.8%	87.9%
9	University of Dayton Dayton, Ohio	$31,236	$72,274	$47,600	81.5%	74.1%
10	Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, Ohio	$38,909	$66,325	$64,671	87.0%	27.4%
11	Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville, Ohio	$4,503		$6,178	20.0%
12	Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus Chillicothe, Ohio	$6,483		$6,178	12.1%
13	Ohio University-Southern Campus Ironton, Ohio	$5,328		$6,178	19.3%
14	Ohio University-Lancaster Campus Lancaster, Ohio	$6,133		$6,178	13.7%
15	Ohio University-Zanesville Campus Zanesville, Ohio	$5,971		$6,178	17.7%
16	Xavier University Cincinnati, Ohio	$32,342		$48,125	70.5%	84.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Youngstown State University the top value for Chemical Engineering in Ohio?

Youngstown State combines the highest graduate earnings at $75,204 with relatively low costs at $11,877 net price. The program maintains an 80.6% acceptance rate while delivering strong employment outcomes. Graduates carry $25,375 in debt, which represents excellent value given their earning potential in Ohio's manufacturing sector.

How do Ohio's public Chemical Engineering programs compare to private options?

Public universities dominate the value rankings, occupying eight of the top nine positions. The University of Dayton, the highest-ranked private school, costs $31,236 annually compared to public alternatives under $25,000. Even Case Western Reserve University at $38,909 produces graduates earning less than those from Youngstown State, Toledo, and Akron.

Where do Chemical Engineers find work after graduating in Ohio?

Ohio's Chemical Engineers enter a market supported by major manufacturers like Honda, healthcare systems including Cleveland Clinic, and chemical companies throughout the state. The manufacturing sector provides traditional pathways, while medical device production in Cleveland and research facilities in Columbus expand opportunities. Graduate earnings range from $57,318 to $75,204 depending on the program and career path.

Is Ohio State University worth the higher cost for Chemical Engineering?

Ohio State charges $18,292 in net costs and achieves an impressive 87.7% graduation rate, the highest among public options. However, graduates earn $69,561, which trails several less expensive programs including Youngstown State and Toledo. Students benefit from extensive research opportunities and strong alumni networks, but purely from a financial return perspective, other Ohio public universities provide better value.

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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.