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Best Value Chemistry Colleges in North Carolina

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

Duke University stands out among North Carolina's chemistry programs with the highest net cost at $34,454 yet surprisingly low early career earnings of just $27,216. This contrasts sharply with UNC Charlotte, where chemistry graduates earn $42,682 despite paying only $14,745 net cost. The state's Research Triangle Park creates strong demand for chemistry graduates in pharmaceutical research and biotechnology, with companies like GlaxoSmithKline and Biogen maintaining major operations. UNC Pembroke offers the most affordable option at $9,918 net cost, while Chapel Hill delivers a 92.10% graduation rate despite accepting only 17.11% of applicants. Public universities dominate the value equation, with seven schools offering net costs below $17,000. Wake Forest provides the best private option with $41,025 median earnings and a 90.90% graduation rate, though students pay $28,746 annually.
42
Programs
$7,237 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$35,855
Avg. Program Earnings
55.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

42 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,918 $33,281 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
2 $14,745 $42,682 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
3 $16,514 $40,792 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
4 $12,865 $31,133 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
5 $12,983 $30,228 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
6 $16,487 $38,289 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
7 $19,472 $39,909 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
8 $16,931 $33,993 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
9 $28,746 $41,025 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
10 $34,454 $27,216 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
11 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
12 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
13 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
14 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
15 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
16 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
17 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
18 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
19 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
20 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
21 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
22 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
23 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
24 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
25 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
26 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
27 $22,858 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
28 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
29 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
30 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
31 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
32 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%
33 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
34 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
35 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
36 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
37 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
38 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
39 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
40 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
41 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
42 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Duke's low chemistry earnings despite its reputation?

Duke chemistry graduates earn just $27,216 in early career median wages, the lowest among major North Carolina programs. This likely reflects many graduates pursuing advanced degrees or research positions with lower initial salaries. The university's 95.80% graduation rate and average debt of only $8,207 suggest strong financial aid helps offset the $34,454 net cost. Students often view Duke as a stepping stone to graduate school rather than immediate high-paying careers.

How do public university costs compare across the state?

North Carolina public universities show significant cost variation, from UNC Pembroke's $9,918 net cost to UNC Wilmington's $19,472. In-state tuition ranges more narrowly from $3,571 to $8,989, with net costs reflecting different financial aid packages. UNC Asheville offers particularly strong value with $12,865 net cost and only $12,825 average debt. The NC Need-Based Scholarship helps reduce costs for qualifying students across all public institutions.

Where do chemistry graduates find the highest starting salaries?

UNC Charlotte chemistry graduates command the highest median earnings at $42,682, benefiting from the city's banking and healthcare sectors. East Carolina University follows at $40,792, while UNC Wilmington graduates earn $39,909. These three schools significantly outpace the state average and reflect strong regional job markets. Research Triangle employers like pharmaceutical companies actively recruit from these programs for laboratory and research positions.

Is attending a highly selective school worth the investment for chemistry?

Chapel Hill accepts just 17.11% of applicants and delivers a 92.10% graduation rate with $30,228 median earnings. While selective, its $12,983 net cost provides better value than Duke's $34,454 for similar outcomes. NC State accepts 47.17% of students and produces graduates earning $33,993 with strong industry connections. Selectivity often correlates with better graduation rates but not necessarily higher earnings in chemistry fields.

What role does location play in chemistry program value?

Charlotte-area programs like UNC Charlotte and Queens University benefit from proximity to banking, healthcare, and biotech employers. The Research Triangle region near Raleigh provides internship and job opportunities at pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. Coastal schools like UNC Wilmington offer access to marine chemistry and environmental research opportunities. Rural campuses often provide lower costs but may require students to relocate for the best career 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.