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Best Value Chemistry Colleges in Indiana

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

Purdue University Northwest delivers the strongest return on investment for chemistry students in Indiana, charging just $8,463 in net costs while preparing graduates for careers in the state's $3.8 billion pharmaceutical industry. The 20 chemistry programs across Indiana show dramatic price variation, from Purdue Northwest's budget-friendly option to Rose-Hulman's $40,665 premium experience. Indiana University-Bloomington graduates earn $41,007 annually, the highest in the state, reflecting strong connections to employers like Eli Lilly and Roche Diagnostics who anchor Indiana's life sciences sector. Public universities dominate the value equation, with four of the five lowest-cost options being state institutions. The 21st Century Scholars program makes these affordable options even more accessible for qualifying Indiana residents, covering full tuition at public universities.
36
Programs
$5,970 – $40,665
Net Price Range
$35,591
Avg. Program Earnings
61.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,408 $36,992 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
2 $12,188 $34,526 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
3 $15,342 $41,007 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
4 $13,945 $35,416 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
5 $15,898 $38,289 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
6 $21,826 $38,289 $42,894 63.6% 74.1%
7 $21,583 $24,615 $46,588 67.0% 94.2%
8 $25,580 $35,600 67.6% 91.9%
9 $24,327 $39,104 76.6% 74.6%
10 $28,552 $51,430 76.5% 83.9%
11 $20,361 $35,420 60.7% 98.1%
12 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
13 $40,665 $56,674 81.7% 73.0%
14 $27,823 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%
15 $13,879 $12,830 33.3%
16 $23,069 $31,168 66.3% 86.7%
17 $21,906 $49,125 77.1% 61.5%
18 $23,594 $39,100 60.9% 93.8%
19 $19,268 $37,090 44.8% 66.4%
20 $22,144 $35,640 49.4% 51.8%
21 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
22 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
23 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
24 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
25 $12,621 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
26 $18,748 $36,136 55.8% 76.1%
27 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
28 $13,710 $29,982 68.2% 77.5%
29 $18,406 $30,034 69.9% 84.6%
30 $15,725 $37,760 60.5% 93.5%
31 $22,762 $37,350 63.4% 92.9%
32 $20,230 $42,676 71.3% 76.3%
33 $24,516 $51,840 67.9% 73.2%
34 $24,546 $57,070 80.0% 65.8%
35 $38,472 $45,980 80.2% 82.1%
36 $19,726 $33,320 57.2% 99.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Purdue University Northwest stand out for chemistry value?

Purdue Northwest offers the lowest net cost at $8,463 while maintaining solid career preparation for chemistry graduates. The campus serves the industrial northwest Indiana region, home to major chemical and steel companies. Students benefit from small class sizes and hands-on laboratory experience without the premium price tag. The 44% graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of STEM programs rather than program quality issues.

How do earnings compare between Indiana's public and private chemistry programs?

Indiana University-Bloomington leads all schools with $41,007 in graduate earnings, demonstrating that public universities can compete with elite private institutions. Ball State graduates earn $38,289, nearly matching private Hanover College's $38,289 figure. Valparaiso University graduates surprisingly earn just $24,615 despite the $21,583 net cost. Public universities generally offer better earnings-to-cost ratios across Indiana's chemistry programs.

Is Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology worth its premium price for chemistry?

Rose-Hulman commands $40,665 in net costs, nearly five times more than Purdue Northwest's option. The school maintains an impressive 81.7% graduation rate and strong industry connections in engineering and science. However, the data doesn't include earnings information for Rose-Hulman graduates, making value assessment difficult. Students should weigh the well-known engineering reputation against significantly higher costs and debt levels.

Does the 21st Century Scholars program affect chemistry program accessibility?

The 21st Century Scholars program covers full tuition at Indiana public universities, making chemistry education highly affordable for qualifying students. This benefit applies to schools like Indiana University-Bloomington ($11,790 tuition) and Purdue-Main Campus ($9,992 tuition). The program particularly benefits chemistry students since laboratory fees and equipment costs can add significant expenses. Scholars can access top-tier programs without accumulating substantial debt.

Where do Indiana chemistry graduates find employment opportunities?

Eli Lilly, headquartered in Indianapolis, employs hundreds of chemists and offers internship programs with state universities. Cummins and other manufacturing companies throughout Indiana hire chemistry graduates for materials science and quality control roles. Indiana University Health and other healthcare systems need clinical laboratory professionals with chemistry backgrounds. The state's agricultural sector also provides opportunities in food science and agricultural chemistry research.

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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.