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Cheapest Chemistry Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

CUNY Hunter College stands out among affordable chemistry programs with a net cost of just $2,446 while graduates earn $21,964 annually. This combination of low cost and solid earning potential reflects chemistry's strength in the Northeast job market, where pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb maintain major research facilities. The data reveals a striking cost range from $2,446 to $5,825 across 15 schools, with most CUNY campuses clustering at the bottom of the price spectrum. Graduation rates vary dramatically from Ohio University-Eastern's concerning 20% to Hunter College's respectable 61%. California State schools offer another path to affordable chemistry education, with Cal State LA charging $4,113 net cost despite serving the nation's second-largest metropolitan area. Berea College presents an interesting outlier at $4,483 net cost with a sticker price of $49,326, demonstrating how generous financial aid can make private education accessible to chemistry students.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $8,155
Net Price Range
$28,482
Avg. Program Earnings
43.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
4 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
5 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
6 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
7 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
8 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
9 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
10 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
11 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
12 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
13 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
14 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
15 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
16 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
17 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
18 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
19 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
20 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
21 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
22 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
23 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
24 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
25 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
26 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
27 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
28 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
29 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
30 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
31 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
32 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
33 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
34 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
35 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
36 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
37 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
38 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
39 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
40 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
41 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
42 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
43 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
44 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
45 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
46 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
47 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
48 $8,036 $5,580 35.4% 33.3%
49 $8,130 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
50 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for chemistry majors?

CUNY schools dominate the most affordable chemistry programs with net costs ranging from $2,446 at Hunter College to $4,783 at NYC College of Technology. As public institutions serving New York residents, these schools benefit from state funding that keeps tuition low. Hunter College graduates earn $21,964 annually while paying just $2,446 net cost, creating strong value. The CUNY system's urban locations also provide internship opportunities with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

How do graduation rates compare among the cheapest chemistry programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly among affordable chemistry programs, from a concerning 20% at Ohio University-Eastern to a solid 62% at Berea College. CUNY Hunter College maintains a 61% graduation rate despite its $2,446 net cost, while CUNY Queens College achieves 60.2% at $3,830 net cost. Several schools fall below 50%, including Texas A&M International at 48.9% and CUNY Lehman at 49.3%.

Is earning potential different between the cheapest public and private chemistry programs?

Among the most affordable options, public schools show mixed earning potential with CUNY City College graduates earning $25,194 compared to Hunter's $21,964 and Brooklyn College's notably lower $10,925. Berea College, the lone affordable private school at $4,483 net cost, demonstrates that private institutions can compete on affordability through generous financial aid. The wide earnings range from $10,925 to $32,563 suggests location and regional job markets matter more than school type.

Does geographic location affect chemistry program costs and outcomes?

Geography plays a major role in both costs and outcomes for chemistry programs. New York schools cluster at the lowest net costs, with six CUNY campuses under $5,000, benefiting from state funding and urban density. California State schools like Dominguez Hills ($3,659) and LA ($4,113) offer West Coast alternatives. Texas A&M International in Laredo costs $3,061 but shows a 48.9% graduation rate, reflecting regional economic challenges.

Where can chemistry students find the best value among affordable programs?

CUNY Hunter College offers the best overall value with $2,446 net cost, 61% graduation rate, and $21,964 earnings. CUNY Queens College provides another excellent option at $3,830 with a 60.2% graduation rate. Berea College at $4,483 combines affordability with a 62% graduation rate and serves low-income students exclusively. Students should consider both net cost and graduation rates when evaluating value.

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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.