Skip to main content

Best Value Chemistry Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Carnegie Mellon University stands alone among Pennsylvania chemistry programs with a $57,318 median salary that dwarfs the state average of $42,000, though its $31,671 net cost reflects this premium positioning. The remaining 19 programs cluster between $37,424 and $50,856 in earnings, creating a clear divide between elite private education and accessible public options. East Stroudsburg University delivers the lowest net cost at $15,089 while maintaining a $50,856 salary outcome that rivals much more expensive alternatives. Pennsylvania's chemistry job market benefits from major pharmaceutical employers like Johnson & Johnson and Merck, plus growing biotech sectors in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with 8 of the top 10 most affordable programs coming from state institutions. West Chester University bridges affordability and outcomes effectively, combining a $22,673 net cost with strong 69.8% graduation rates.
50
Programs
$9,837 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$43,370
Avg. Program Earnings
65.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,089 $50,856 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
2 $21,205 $49,019 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
3 $16,630 $37,424 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
4 $17,216 $38,289 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
5 $17,034 $37,424 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
6 $22,673 $48,432 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
7 $18,952 $37,424 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
8 $20,231 $38,559 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
9 $31,671 $57,318 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
10 $29,219 $41,007 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
11 $30,074 $37,424 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
12 $38,428 $47,260 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
13 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
14 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
15 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
16 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
17 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
18 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
19 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
20 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
21 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
22 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
23 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
24 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
25 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
26 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
27 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
28 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
29 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
30 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
31 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
32 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
33 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
34 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
35 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
36 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
37 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
38 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
39 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
40 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
41 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
42 $34,978 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
43 $32,191 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
44 $27,243 $43,300 52.2% 95.4%
45 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
46 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
47 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
48 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
49 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
50 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Carnegie Mellon worth its $31,671 net cost for chemistry students?

Carnegie Mellon chemistry graduates earn $57,318 annually, representing a $19,894 premium over the next highest earning program in the state. The university maintains a 92.5% graduation rate, nearly 20 percentage points above most Pennsylvania competitors. Its highly selective 11.3% acceptance rate reflects the caliber of students and resources that drive these superior outcomes.

How do public university chemistry programs compare on value in Pennsylvania?

Public programs range from $15,089 to $30,074 in net costs, with most clustering between $15,000 and $22,000. East Stroudsburg delivers strong value at $15,089 net cost while producing $50,856 median earnings. Indiana University of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh-Bradford both cost under $17,500 but show graduation rates of 52.4% and 43.4% respectively, indicating completion challenges.

What salary range can chemistry graduates expect from Pennsylvania programs?

Chemistry graduates from Pennsylvania programs earn between $37,424 and $57,318 annually, with most programs falling in the $37,000 to $50,000 range. University of Pittsburgh system schools consistently report $37,424 earnings across multiple campuses. West Chester University and East Stroudsburg University both exceed $48,000 despite their public status and moderate costs.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost for chemistry in Pennsylvania?

Higher-cost programs generally show stronger graduation rates, though notable exceptions exist. Carnegie Mellon leads at 92.5% with University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus reaching 84.3% despite moderate public pricing. However, several affordable programs like West Chester University achieve 69.8% graduation rates at just $22,673 net cost. The lowest-cost options often struggle, with East Stroudsburg at 43.8% despite strong salary outcomes.

Where do chemistry graduates find the best employment opportunities in Pennsylvania?

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh anchor Pennsylvania's chemistry job market, hosting major pharmaceutical companies and growing biotech sectors. UPMC operates extensive research facilities while companies like Johnson & Johnson maintain significant Pennsylvania operations. The state's proximity to New Jersey's pharmaceutical corridor and Delaware's chemical industry expands opportunities for graduates. Programs near these metropolitan areas often benefit from internship partnerships and direct recruitment pipelines.

More Chemistry Rankings

Cheapest Chemistry in Pennsylvania Chemistry Under $20,000 in Pennsylvania

Related

All Chemistry Programs Best Colleges in Pennsylvania Best Chemistry in Pennsylvania

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.