Best Value Chemistry Colleges in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Madison stands out among the state's chemistry programs, delivering the highest graduate earnings at $47,260 despite a net cost of $16,928 that remains reasonable for a top-tier research institution. The earnings gap between Madison and other state schools reflects Wisconsin's tiered chemistry job market, where research positions at companies like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare command premium salaries. At the opposite end, UW-Parkside offers the lowest net cost at $10,044, making chemistry education accessible to students across economic backgrounds. Public universities dominate Wisconsin's chemistry market, with 12 of the top 15 programs offering in-state tuition under $12,000. The state's strong manufacturing base, including chemical companies like Kimberly-Clark, creates steady demand for chemistry graduates across salary ranges from $35,060 to $47,260.

Programs

$10,044 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$41,490

Avg. Program Earnings

61.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$42,123	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
2	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754	$44,189	$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
3	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$44,021	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
4	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$47,260	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
5	University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, Wisconsin	$14,714	$40,768	$8,606	60.9%	84.5%
6	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$39,153	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
7	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$40,017	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
8	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$35,060	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
9	Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin	$21,924	$40,821	$58,554	67.2%	65.9%
10	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726		$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
11	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722		$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
12	University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, Wisconsin	$13,405		$8,487	44.1%	95.6%
13	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044		$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
14	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761		$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
15	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315		$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
16	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633		$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
17	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674		$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
18	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176		$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
19	Northland College Ashland, Wisconsin	$20,780		$42,491	43.3%	68.4%
20	Mount Mary University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$18,295		$34,390	58.9%	69.5%
21	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237		$48,700	80.1%	87.2%
22	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341		$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
23	Lawrence University Appleton, Wisconsin	$24,563		$55,461	76.4%	72.3%
24	Lakeland University Plymouth, Wisconsin	$22,092		$32,286	55.7%	99.5%
25	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634		$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
26	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067		$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
27	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813		$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
28	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362		$37,230	69.6%	72.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Wisconsin-Madison worth the higher cost for chemistry students?

Madison graduates earn $47,260 annually, which is $3,071 more than the next highest earner in the state. The school maintains an impressive 89.30% graduation rate, nearly 18 percentage points higher than the state average. Despite a more selective 49.06% acceptance rate, the return on investment justifies the $16,928 net cost for serious chemistry students.

How do Wisconsin's public university chemistry programs compare in affordability?

In-state tuition ranges from $7,855 at UW-Parkside to $11,205 at UW-Madison, a difference of just $3,350 across the entire system. Net costs show similar accessibility, spanning $10,044 to $16,928 among public options. This consistency makes chemistry education affordable throughout Wisconsin's public university network.

Is there a significant earnings difference between Wisconsin chemistry programs?

Graduate earnings vary by $12,200 across Wisconsin chemistry programs, from $35,060 at UW-Milwaukee to $47,260 at UW-Madison. UW-Platteville and UW-La Crosse both produce graduates earning over $44,000 annually. Even accounting for regional cost differences, Madison clearly leads in post-graduation earning potential.

Does choosing a private college for chemistry in Wisconsin offer better value?

Beloit College charges a $21,924 net cost but produces graduates earning $40,821, while several public universities deliver similar earnings for significantly less money. UW-La Crosse graduates earn $44,021 with a net cost of $15,374, offering $6,550 in savings. Wisconsin's public universities generally provide superior value for chemistry education.

Where do Wisconsin chemistry graduates find the best job opportunities?

Wisconsin's healthcare sector, led by Epic Systems and GE Healthcare, offers high-paying positions for chemistry graduates with strong analytical skills. The state's manufacturing base provides steady employment in quality control and product development roles. Madison graduates command the highest salaries at $47,260, likely reflecting proximity to research institutions and biotech companies in the capital region.

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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.