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Best Value Chemistry Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Worcester State University delivers the strongest value proposition for chemistry students in Massachusetts, combining a net price of just $14,738 with impressive median earnings of $49,644. This stark contrast highlights the dramatic cost differences between public and private institutions, where Boston College charges nearly three times more at $39,866 despite similar career outcomes. Massachusetts chemistry graduates benefit from the state's concentration of biotech companies around Cambridge and Boston, including industry leaders like Biogen, Moderna, and Takeda. The earnings data reveals an interesting pattern where mid-tier public universities often match or exceed the financial returns of elite private colleges. Salem State and Bridgewater State both maintain net costs under $19,000 while producing graduates earning over $44,000 annually. Williams College stands as an outlier with its $14,852 net price but significantly lower early-career earnings of $25,525, suggesting graduate school preparation rather than immediate workforce entry. The state's MassGrant Plus program helps explain why public institutions remain accessible, with in-state costs at flagship UMass Amherst reaching only $17,357 compared to private tuition exceeding $60,000.
41
Programs
$14,738 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$41,694
Avg. Program Earnings
71.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

41 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,738 $49,644 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
2 $18,441 $45,696 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
3 $17,970 $44,170 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
4 $23,691 $42,123 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
5 $14,852 $25,525 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
6 $26,181 $42,682 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
7 $26,996 $41,342 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
8 $32,116 $45,808 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
9 $18,282 $25,194 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
10 $39,866 $51,273 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
11 $36,868 $45,175 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
12 $18,561 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
13 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
14 $25,008 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
15 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
16 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
17 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
18 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
19 $30,934 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
20 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
21 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
22 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
23 $21,436 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
24 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
25 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
26 $18,246 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
27 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
28 $33,885 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
29 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
30 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
31 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
32 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
33 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
34 $18,707 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
35 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
36 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
37 $18,627 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
38 $35,084 $38,850 63.3% 88.3%
39 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
40 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
41 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $25,000 earnings gap between Worcester State and UMass Boston chemistry graduates?

Worcester State chemistry graduates earn $49,644 compared to UMass Boston's $25,194, likely reflecting different career paths and regional opportunities. Worcester State maintains stronger industry connections with local manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies. UMass Boston serves more part-time and non-traditional students who may pursue different post-graduation trajectories. The 55.5% graduation rate at Worcester State versus 51.1% at UMass Boston also suggests different student preparation levels.

How do private college costs compare to earning potential for Massachusetts chemistry majors?

Boston College charges the highest net price at $39,866 but produces the highest-earning graduates at $51,273 annually. Williams College presents the opposite scenario with a low net cost of $14,852 but earnings of only $25,525. Northeastern University offers a middle ground at $32,116 with solid returns of $45,808. Most private colleges show debt loads between $19,000 and $27,000, making the investment manageable for most families.

Is UMass Amherst worth the higher cost compared to other state schools?

UMass Amherst costs $23,691 annually but produces graduates earning $42,123, placing it behind Worcester State's value proposition. The flagship campus offers an 83.2% graduation rate, significantly higher than other state schools averaging 54-55%. UMass Amherst provides better research opportunities and graduate school preparation. However, students focused solely on immediate employment might find better value at Worcester State or Salem State.

Does acceptance rate correlate with chemistry program value in Massachusetts?

The data shows no clear correlation between selectivity and value for chemistry students. Williams College accepts only 8.5% of applicants but shows the lowest earnings at $25,525. Worcester State accepts 87.7% yet produces the highest-earning public school graduates. Northeastern's 6.8% acceptance rate corresponds with strong earnings of $45,808. Salem State's 92.7% acceptance rate still yields graduates earning $45,696, demonstrating that accessibility doesn't compromise outcomes.

Where do Massachusetts chemistry graduates typically find employment after college?

The Boston biotech corridor employs many graduates from programs like Northeastern and Boston University, with companies including Biogen, Genzyme, and emerging startups. Traditional chemical manufacturing in central Massachusetts provides opportunities for Worcester State and regional campus graduates. Pharmaceutical giants like Takeda and Sanofi maintain significant operations around Cambridge and Boston. Academic and government research positions at institutions like MIT, Harvard, and various federal laboratories also absorb many chemistry graduates statewide.

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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.