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Best Value Chemistry Colleges in Missouri

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

Chemistry students in Missouri face a striking cost divide between public and private options, with net prices ranging from $12,030 at Truman State University to $27,075 at Saint Louis University. Missouri University of Science and Technology stands out by delivering the highest graduate earnings at $46,478 while maintaining a reasonable net cost of $13,773. The state's agricultural and healthcare sectors create strong demand for chemistry graduates, with major employers like Monsanto requiring expertise in chemical research and development. Graduation rates vary significantly across programs, from 30% at Park University to 94.4% at Washington University in St Louis. Public universities dominate the value proposition, with four of the five most affordable options being state institutions. The earnings data reveals interesting patterns, with Lindenwood University producing the highest-earning graduates at $46,673 despite being a mid-tier private institution. Missouri's A+ Scholarship program adds another layer of value for in-state students, potentially reducing costs further at community colleges before transferring to four-year chemistry programs.
32
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$38,447
Avg. Program Earnings
56.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

32 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,773 $46,478 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
2 $12,323 $40,896 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
3 $12,030 $37,208 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
4 $12,837 $33,993 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
5 $18,516 $46,673 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
6 $14,824 $37,208 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
7 $17,502 $39,927 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
8 $19,889 $25,194 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
9 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
10 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
11 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
12 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
13 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
14 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
15 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
16 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
17 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
18 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
19 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
20 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
21 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
22 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
23 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
24 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
25 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
26 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
27 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
28 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
29 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
30 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
31 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
32 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between Missouri chemistry programs?

Graduate earnings range from $25,194 at University of Missouri-Columbia to $46,673 at Lindenwood University, a difference of over $21,000 annually. This variation often reflects program focus areas, with schools emphasizing applied chemistry and industry partnerships typically producing higher-earning graduates. The data suggests that private institutions like Lindenwood may have stronger connections to high-paying chemical industry positions. Regional job markets also play a role, as graduates entering pharmaceutical or agricultural chemical companies tend to command higher starting salaries.

How do public universities compare to private schools for chemistry value?

Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with net costs ranging from $12,030 to $19,889 compared to private schools that can exceed $27,000. However, private institutions show mixed results in earnings outcomes. Lindenwood University produces the highest-earning graduates at $46,673, while Saint Louis University graduates earn significantly less despite much higher costs. Public schools like Missouri S&T offer excellent value with high earnings of $46,478 at a net cost of just $13,773.

Is the graduation rate worth considering when choosing a chemistry program?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 30% at Park University to 94.4% at Washington University in St Louis, making this a critical factor in program selection. Schools with rates below 55% may indicate inadequate student support or overly challenging coursework without proper scaffolding. Missouri S&T maintains a solid 63.6% graduation rate while delivering top earnings, suggesting a balanced approach to academic rigor. Higher graduation rates generally correlate with better career services and industry connections.

Does Missouri's job market support chemistry graduates effectively?

Missouri's economy includes major chemical and pharmaceutical employers like Monsanto and healthcare systems like BJC HealthCare that actively recruit chemistry graduates. The state's agricultural sector creates demand for agricultural chemistry expertise, while defense contractors require materials science knowledge. Graduate earnings ranging up to $46,673 suggest strong regional demand, particularly for graduates with specialized skills. The presence of research institutions and biotechnology companies in St. Louis and Kansas City provides additional career pathways beyond traditional manufacturing roles.

Where do acceptance rates impact program accessibility and quality?

Acceptance rates span from 11.76% at Washington University to 100% at Central Methodist University, reflecting vastly different selectivity levels. Highly selective programs like Washington University (11.76%) and Truman State (45.05%) often provide more rigorous preparation but may be harder to access. Mid-tier schools with 70-90% acceptance rates like Missouri S&T (81.49%) often offer the best balance of accessibility and quality outcomes. Schools with very high acceptance rates may lack the resources or standards needed for strong chemistry preparation.

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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.