Cheapest Chemical Engineering Colleges in Virginia

Virginia Polytechnic Institute leads the state with $73,272 median earnings for Chemical Engineering graduates, while Virginia Commonwealth University offers the lowest net cost at $19,452. This $13,320 spread between the most affordable options reflects Virginia's position as a center for defense contractors like Northrop Grumman, where chemical engineers design advanced materials for aerospace applications. The state's three public universities all maintain graduation rates above 65%, with Virginia Tech achieving 86.3% despite accepting over half of applicants.

Programs

$19,452 – $32,145

Net Price Range

$67,280

Avg. Program Earnings

79.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Chemical Engineering Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia	$19,452	$16,458	65.4%	91.0%
2	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, Virginia	$22,881	$20,986	95.3%	18.7%
3	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, Virginia	$23,790	$15,478	86.3%	57.0%
4	Washington and Lee University Lexington, Virginia	$23,911	$64,525	94.9%	17.0%
5	Hampton University Hampton, Virginia	$32,145	$29,162	55.7%	74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Virginia Tech Chemical Engineering graduates earn $73,272 compared to $55,964 at VCU?

Virginia Tech's location in Blacksburg connects students with major defense and materials companies through internships and research partnerships. The program's 86.3% graduation rate indicates strong student support, while VCU's 65.4% rate suggests more students leave the demanding field before completing degrees.

How do private college costs compare to public options for Chemical Engineering in Virginia?

Washington and Lee charges $64,525 in tuition versus $20,986 at UVA, creating a $43,539 gap before aid. However, private college students may qualify for Virginia's VTAG grant, which helps reduce this substantial difference for eligible families.

Does University of Virginia's 18.66% acceptance rate affect Chemical Engineering job prospects?

UVA Chemical Engineering graduates earn $72,605 annually with only $17,733 in average debt, the lowest among Virginia programs. The selective admissions process creates smaller cohorts that benefit from closer faculty relationships and research opportunities with federal agencies in nearby Washington DC.

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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.