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Best Value Chemistry Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Chemistry students can secure strong returns on their educational investment at public universities across the nation, with net costs ranging from just $2,446 at CUNY Hunter College to $11,024 at the University of North Alabama. The earnings potential varies dramatically, from $21,964 to $51,106 annually, creating opportunities for smart financial planning. Texas leads this value conversation with UT Rio Grande Valley delivering $43,798 in early career earnings at a net cost of $6,500, particularly relevant given the state's massive petrochemical industry along the Gulf Coast. California State universities dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with six campuses offering chemistry programs under $11,000 in net costs. Florida schools like University of North Florida command higher prices but deliver correspondingly strong earnings at $47,260. The data reveals that geography matters significantly in both cost structure and career outcomes, with acceptance rates ranging from highly selective programs at 39.95% to nearly open admission at 97.91%, giving students multiple pathways into the field.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $16,438
Net Price Range
$38,073
Avg. Program Earnings
56.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $21,964 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $3,486 $25,194 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
3 $6,500 $43,798 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
4 $7,168 $41,565 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
5 $5,918 $33,993 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
6 $5,825 $32,563 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
7 $5,646 $31,314 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
8 $5,671 $26,896 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
9 $10,353 $47,260 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
10 $9,957 $43,314 $8,064 36.1% 64.6%
11 $11,024 $47,260 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
12 $8,001 $33,993 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
13 $8,896 $36,941 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
14 $10,512 $42,682 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
15 $8,931 $35,060 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
16 $2,943 $10,925 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
17 $13,853 $51,106 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
18 $9,792 $35,274 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
19 $9,110 $32,569 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
20 $11,234 $40,089 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
21 $10,988 $39,009 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
22 $11,592 $40,737 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
23 $8,155 $28,598 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
24 $16,438 $57,318 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
25 $10,898 $37,568 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
26 $12,168 $41,937 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
27 $12,882 $44,356 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
28 $10,043 $33,993 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
29 $13,773 $46,478 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
30 $13,825 $46,620 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
31 $15,089 $50,856 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
32 $9,133 $30,771 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
33 $14,738 $49,644 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
34 $10,097 $33,993 $6,906 37.0%
35 $9,918 $33,281 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
36 $11,750 $39,369 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
37 $12,997 $43,314 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
38 $12,323 $40,896 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
39 $8,327 $27,439 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
40 $12,878 $42,123 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
41 $13,091 $42,682 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
42 $11,408 $36,992 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
43 $11,580 $37,424 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
44 $11,504 $36,941 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
45 $14,294 $45,852 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
46 $6,480 $20,687 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
47 $13,253 $42,123 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
48 $12,840 $40,768 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
49 $11,298 $35,420 $6,007 41.7% 89.5%
50 $13,696 $42,682 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Hunter College such an outstanding value for chemistry students?

Hunter College offers the lowest net cost at just $2,446 while maintaining a selective 47.86% acceptance rate and solid 61% graduation rate. Despite the modest $21,964 early career earnings, students graduate with only $9,000 in debt, creating an excellent debt-to-earnings ratio. The school's Manhattan location provides access to pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and graduate programs throughout New York City.

How do California State University chemistry programs compare in terms of value?

Six Cal State campuses make this list with net costs between $5,646 and $10,512, offering consistent affordability across the system. Cal State Fullerton stands out with a 69.2% graduation rate and $31,314 in earnings, while Sacramento delivers higher earnings at $42,682 for a $10,512 net cost. The system's proximity to California's biotech corridor and chemical manufacturing sector provides strong internship and job placement opportunities.

Is the University of North Florida worth its higher cost for chemistry students?

UNF's $10,353 net cost is among the highest on this list, but it delivers the strongest earnings potential at $47,260 annually. The 68.2% graduation rate and 70.5% acceptance rate indicate a selective yet achievable program. Florida's growing pharmaceutical and aerospace industries, particularly around Jacksonville, create strong demand for chemistry graduates with competitive starting salaries.

What explains the wide range in graduation rates across these chemistry programs?

Graduation rates span from 36.1% at West Virginia University Institute of Technology to 69.9% at Cal State Long Beach, reflecting different student populations and institutional support systems. Schools with higher acceptance rates like Cal State Stanislaus at 96.61% tend to serve more first-generation college students who may need additional academic support. The most selective programs typically show higher completion rates, though exceptions exist based on regional economic factors.

Does geographic location significantly impact chemistry career earnings after graduation?

Regional job markets create substantial earning variations, with Florida and Texas schools showing the highest potential at $47,260 and $43,798 respectively. California schools cluster in the $26,896 to $42,682 range, while New York programs start lower at $21,964 to $25,194 but offer different cost-of-living calculations. Chemical industry concentration, from Texas petrochemicals to Florida aerospace, directly influences local salary ranges and advancement opportunities.

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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.