Cheapest Chemical Engineering Colleges in New York

CUNY City College delivers New York's most affordable Chemical Engineering degree at just $3,486 net price, while Cornell commands $32,337 despite producing the state's highest earners at $83,351 annually. This $28,851 cost gap reflects New York's split between accessible public education and elite private institutions. The state's chemical industry spans from pharmaceutical giants in Albany to specialty chemical manufacturers across the Hudson Valley, creating strong demand for graduates. With 14 programs ranging from $3,486 to $41,026, students can find pathways into an industry where New York employers value both technical skills and proximity to major research centers.

Programs

$3,486 – $41,026

Net Price Range

$62,855

Avg. Program Earnings

78.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Chemical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY City College New York, New York	$3,486	$7,340	54.7%	66.6%
2	The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art New York, New York	$16,478	$46,820	80.3%	22.5%
3	Stony Brook University Stony Brook, New York	$18,430	$10,560	77.8%	49.1%
4	SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, New York	$18,730	$9,206	69.9%	69.5%
5	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, New York	$20,148	$69,045	95.0%	4.0%
6	University at Buffalo Buffalo, New York	$20,470	$10,782	73.4%	67.7%
7	Manhattan College Riverdale, New York	$26,881	$50,850	66.0%	82.3%
8	Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, New York	$29,694	$57,016	70.8%	67.2%
9	University of Rochester Rochester, New York	$30,248	$64,348	84.5%	38.9%
10	Clarkson University Potsdam, New York	$31,955	$57,950	73.6%	78.4%
11	Cornell University Ithaca, New York	$32,337	$66,014	95.1%	7.5%
12	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, New York	$33,139	$61,884	83.2%	64.5%
13	New York University New York, New York	$35,035	$60,438	88.5%	12.5%
14	Syracuse University Syracuse, New York	$41,026	$63,061	81.4%	51.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY City College such an affordable option for Chemical Engineering?

City College charges just $3,486 in net price with a 66.60% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. The school maintains solid outcomes with graduates earning $35,416 annually, though the 54.70% graduation rate indicates students should be prepared for academic rigor.

How do earnings compare between the most affordable and most expensive programs?

Cornell graduates earn $83,351 annually at a net cost of $32,337, while CUNY City College graduates earn $35,416 at $3,486 net cost. This creates a $47,935 earning gap that may justify the higher investment for some students, though debt levels vary significantly.

Is Cooper Union still tuition-free for Chemical Engineering students?

Cooper Union now charges $46,820 in tuition, but generous aid brings the net price to $16,478 for most students. With an 80.30% graduation rate and highly selective 22.47% acceptance rate, it remains one of New York's most competitive programs.

Where do Chemical Engineering graduates find the best job opportunities in New York?

New York's chemical industry centers around pharmaceutical companies in the Capital Region and specialty manufacturers throughout the state. The proximity to major research universities and financial centers creates unique opportunities in both traditional chemical processes and emerging biotechnology sectors.

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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.