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Best Value Chemistry Colleges in Michigan

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

Chemistry graduates from Western Michigan University earn $49,683 annually, placing them among the state's top earners despite the program's mid-range cost of $18,701. This earnings advantage reflects strong demand from Michigan's chemical manufacturing sector, which supplies materials to automotive giants like Ford and GM. The state's chemistry programs span costs from Oakland University's $13,584 net price to private options reaching $25,749. Public universities dominate the value equation, with seven of the top ten programs operating as state institutions. Michigan Technological University stands out with a 93.68% acceptance rate paired with solid $41,937 earnings, while University of Michigan-Ann Arbor maintains its selective 17.69% acceptance rate alongside a surprisingly affordable $14,832 net cost for such a competitive program. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship adds up to $5,500 in support for in-state students, making these already competitive programs even more accessible for residents pursuing chemistry degrees.
30
Programs
$10,904 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$39,353
Avg. Program Earnings
61.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,582 $40,641 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
2 $15,729 $41,937 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
3 $18,701 $49,683 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
4 $14,832 $38,289 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
5 $17,096 $40,737 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
6 $14,773 $33,281 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
7 $18,873 $41,565 $58,764 81.7% 79.3%
8 $17,485 $38,289 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
9 $17,084 $37,208 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
10 $20,751 $41,565 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
11 $25,749 $29,685 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
12 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
13 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
14 $21,158 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
15 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
16 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
17 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
18 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%
19 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
20 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
21 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
22 $33,092 $46,380 70.5% 80.8%
23 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
24 $16,179 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
25 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
26 $24,783 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
27 $18,902 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
28 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
29 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
30 $16,882 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Western Michigan University's high chemistry graduate earnings of $49,683?

Western Michigan chemistry graduates benefit from the university's connections to pharmaceutical and chemical companies throughout the region. The program costs $18,701 annually but delivers the highest earnings among Michigan chemistry programs. Kalamazoo's location provides access to both manufacturing and research opportunities that drive these strong salary outcomes.

How does University of Michigan-Ann Arbor maintain such a low net price despite its selectivity?

Michigan-Ann Arbor's $14,832 net cost results from generous need-based aid programs that significantly reduce the sticker price. The 17.69% acceptance rate reflects academic selectivity rather than financial barriers. Chemistry graduates earn $38,289 annually with relatively low debt loads of $21,500.

Is Michigan Technological University worth considering for chemistry students?

Michigan Tech offers chemistry students a 93.68% acceptance rate with strong $41,937 graduate earnings. The $15,729 net cost provides solid value for students seeking access to research opportunities. The 68.70% graduation rate indicates most students successfully complete their chemistry degrees.

Does the Michigan Achievement Scholarship apply to chemistry programs?

Michigan residents can use the Achievement Scholarship's up to $5,500 toward any approved chemistry program in the state. This reduces already affordable costs at schools like Oakland University to under $10,000 annually. The scholarship applies to both public and private institutions meeting state requirements.

Where do Michigan chemistry graduates find the best job opportunities?

Michigan's automotive industry creates demand for chemistry graduates in materials science and product development roles. Chemical manufacturing companies throughout the state hire graduates for process improvement and quality control positions. Detroit's growing healthcare sector also provides opportunities in pharmaceutical and medical device companies.

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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.