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Best Value Chemistry Colleges in Ohio

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

Chemistry students in Ohio face striking cost differences that challenge traditional value assumptions. While Youngstown State University offers net costs as low as $11,877 with earnings of $20,140, Bowling Green State University commands $20,918 in net costs but delivers the highest chemistry graduate earnings at $45,808. This $25,000 earning gap reflects Ohio's chemical industry demand, particularly around major employers like Honda's manufacturing operations and Cleveland Clinic's research facilities. The state's 15 chemistry programs span from Ohio University's satellite campuses charging just $4,503 to private institutions reaching $28,617. Public universities dominate the middle tier, with Ohio State achieving an 87.70% graduation rate despite moderate costs of $18,292. Wright State and Cleveland State offer similar value propositions around $15,000-$16,000 in net costs while maintaining decent earning potential above $38,000. Regional branches provide ultra-low costs but show concerning graduation rates below 21%. Ohio's chemical sector continues growing through pharmaceutical research and advanced manufacturing, making chemistry degrees particularly relevant for students targeting healthcare and industrial career paths.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $38,909
Net Price Range
$38,640
Avg. Program Earnings
57.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,065 $41,565 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
2 $15,216 $38,289 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
3 $18,292 $40,467 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
4 $20,918 $45,808 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
5 $23,156 $45,794 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
6 $19,614 $38,289 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
7 $20,413 $39,369 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
8 $11,877 $20,140 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
9 $28,617 $42,682 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
10 $25,766 $33,993 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
11 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
12 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
13 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
14 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
15 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
16 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
17 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
18 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
19 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
20 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
21 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
22 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
23 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
24 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
25 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
26 $20,004 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
27 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
28 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
29 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
30 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
31 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
32 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
33 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
34 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
35 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
36 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
37 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
38 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
39 $38,111 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
40 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
41 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
42 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
43 $29,383 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
44 $21,296 $36,032 41.9% 54.1%
45 $22,881 $36,120 51.3% 77.6%
46 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
47 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
48 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
49 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
50 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Ohio chemistry programs?

Chemistry graduates from Bowling Green earn $45,808 compared to just $20,140 from Youngstown State, creating a $25,668 annual difference. This gap reflects regional job markets, program quality, and industry connections. Bowling Green's higher graduation rate of 62.80% versus Youngstown's 52.90% suggests stronger academic support and industry partnerships that lead to better career outcomes.

How do Ohio's regional university branches compare for chemistry value?

Ohio University's satellite campuses offer the lowest costs in the state, ranging from $4,503 to $6,483 in net expenses. However, these programs show concerning graduation rates between 12.10% and 20.00%, significantly below main campus standards. Students save thousands upfront but face completion challenges that may offset initial cost advantages.

Is Ohio State worth the higher costs for chemistry students?

Ohio State charges $18,292 in net costs but delivers an strong 87.70% graduation rate, nearly double that of many competitors. Graduate earnings reach $40,467 with manageable debt of $24,500. The combination of strong completion rates and solid earnings justifies the premium over lower-cost alternatives like Wright State at $15,216.

Does private John Carroll University offer better value than public options?

John Carroll's $28,617 net cost makes it the most expensive option, but graduates earn $42,682 annually with a 76.50% graduation rate. While earnings exceed most public universities, the cost difference requires careful consideration. Students pay roughly $10,000 more annually than Ohio State but gain only $2,000 in additional earning power.

Where do chemistry graduates find the best job opportunities in Ohio?

Ohio's chemical industry centers around Cleveland Clinic's research facilities, Honda's manufacturing operations, and pharmaceutical companies throughout the state. Programs near major metropolitan areas like Cleveland State and University of Cincinnati show strong graduate outcomes above $40,000. Students benefit from internship opportunities and direct industry connections that translate into career placement advantages.

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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.