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Best Value Chemistry Colleges in Tennessee

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

Tennessee State University delivers the state's most affordable chemistry education at just $10,026 net cost, though graduation rates tell a more complex story across the Volunteer State's 15 programs. The University of Memphis stands out with $42,123 in graduate earnings, nearly double the state average, while maintaining reasonable costs at $13,253 annually. Chemistry graduates find strong opportunities in Tennessee's growing healthcare sector, anchored by HCA Healthcare's Nashville headquarters and the state's expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing base. Public universities dominate the value equation, with six institutions offering net costs below $16,000. However, private colleges like Rhodes and Sewanee command significantly higher prices at $25,060 and $27,498 respectively, banking on their 81-82% graduation rates compared to public school averages near 50%. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers reaches $15,538, reflecting both program quality differences and regional job market access. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means chemistry graduates keep more of their starting salaries, while the Tennessee Promise program provides additional pathways through community college prerequisites.
33
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$31,955
Avg. Program Earnings
53.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,253 $42,123 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
2 $12,599 $35,420 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
3 $12,817 $33,993 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
4 $14,207 $28,212 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
5 $15,794 $29,685 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
6 $14,846 $26,585 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
7 $18,109 $27,668 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
8 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
9 $25,060 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
10 $27,498 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
11 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
12 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
13 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
14 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
15 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
16 $22,874 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
17 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
18 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
19 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
20 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
21 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
22 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
23 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
24 $14,494 $11,790 17.0%
25 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
26 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
27 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
28 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
29 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
30 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
31 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
32 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
33 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge earnings difference between University of Memphis and other Tennessee chemistry programs?

University of Memphis chemistry graduates earn $42,123 annually, compared to just $26,585 at Austin Peay State University. Memphis benefits from its location in Tennessee's largest metropolitan area, with major healthcare systems, research facilities, and chemical companies providing higher-paying opportunities. The university's research connections and internship networks in the Memphis biomedical corridor contribute to stronger post-graduation outcomes. Geographic location plays a major role in starting salary potential for chemistry majors.

How do Tennessee's public chemistry programs compare to private colleges in terms of value?

Public universities offer significantly better financial value, with six programs under $16,000 net cost compared to private schools averaging $20,000-$27,000. However, private institutions like Rhodes College achieve 81.6% graduation rates versus public averages around 50-55%. Tennessee Technological University provides a middle ground at $14,207 net cost with a solid 54.2% graduation rate. The cost savings at public schools often outweigh the graduation rate advantages at private colleges.

Is Tennessee State University worth considering despite its 33% graduation rate?

Tennessee State's $10,026 net cost makes it the most affordable chemistry program in the state, but the 33% graduation rate raises serious concerns about student success. Students considering TSU should evaluate their academic preparation and support needs carefully. The low cost could appeal to students planning to transfer or those with strong self-directed learning skills. However, most students would benefit more from programs with higher completion rates even at slightly higher costs.

Does Tennessee's job market support chemistry graduates effectively?

Tennessee's economy provides solid opportunities for chemistry majors through HCA Healthcare's operations, automotive manufacturing in Nashville and surrounding areas, and growing pharmaceutical companies. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their starting salaries, effectively increasing their take-home pay. Chemical manufacturing facilities throughout the state, particularly in the Nashville and Memphis regions, create additional career pathways. The Tennessee Promise program also allows students to complete prerequisites affordably before transferring to four-year chemistry programs.

Where should cost-conscious students focus their applications for chemistry programs?

University of Tennessee-Martin offers excellent value at $10,299 net cost with a respectable 54.8% graduation rate. Middle Tennessee State provides another strong option at $12,599 with good earnings potential and reasonable debt levels. UT-Chattanooga combines affordability at $12,817 with decent graduation rates at 53.1%. Students should avoid programs with extremely low graduation rates regardless of cost, as completion becomes the primary factor in return on investment.

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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.