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Colorado State University Pueblo offers the state's most affordable chemistry program at just $12,948 net cost, creating a $23,000 savings compared to the University of Denver's $36,037 price tag. This dramatic cost spread reflects Colorado's mix of accessible public universities and expensive private institutions. Chemistry graduates from Metropolitan State University earn $45,852 annually, while Fort Lewis College graduates start at $32,119, showing how program choice affects earning potential. Colorado's aerospace and tech sectors, anchored by companies like Ball Aerospace and Lockheed Martin, provide strong career prospects for chemistry majors who understand materials science and analytical testing. The state's 15 programs range from small mountain colleges to major research universities, with graduation rates spanning from 30% to 86% depending on institutional selectivity.
15
Programs
$12,948 – $36,037
Net Price Range
$42,139
Avg. Program Earnings
55.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,948 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
2 $14,173 $9,776 31.6% 99.2%
3 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
4 $15,331 $9,712 41.5% 81.8%
5 $16,431 $9,712 45.3% 84.8%
6 $16,773 $11,083 50.7% 91.9%
7 $17,339 $9,670 43.1% 91.0%
8 $18,457 $12,010 51.3% 78.5%
9 $19,133 $10,017 47.4% 74.6%
10 $20,332 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
11 $21,480 $16,430 75.0% 80.7%
12 $22,689 $43,980 61.1% 76.1%
13 $29,240 $21,186 79.4% 58.0%
14 $31,678 $67,932 86.0% 16.3%
15 $36,037 $59,340 78.0% 77.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Colorado's chemistry programs so affordable compared to other states?

The Colorado Opportunity Fund provides tuition stipends to in-state students, reducing costs at public universities. Colorado State University Pueblo leads at $12,948 net cost, while Adams State follows at $14,173. Even mid-tier options like Colorado Mesa University cost just $15,331 annually. Public institutions dominate the affordable end, with 11 of the 15 cheapest programs coming from state universities.

How do graduation rates vary among Colorado's most affordable chemistry programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 29.9% at Metropolitan State University to 50.7% at Western Colorado University among the most affordable options. Colorado State University Pueblo, despite being the cheapest at $12,948, maintains a 38% graduation rate. Fort Lewis College achieves 43.1% graduation rates while keeping costs at $17,339. Higher-cost programs like Colorado College reach 86% graduation rates but cost $31,678 annually.

Does location within Colorado affect chemistry program costs and outcomes?

Denver-area programs show the widest cost variation, from Metropolitan State's $14,294 to University of Denver's $36,037. Mountain towns like Gunnison and Durango offer mid-range costs around $16,000-17,000 annually. Colorado Springs hosts both affordable public options and expensive private colleges. Northern Colorado in Greeley provides strong value at $18,457 with 51.3% graduation rates and $46,087 average earnings.

What career prospects do Colorado chemistry graduates face in the local job market?

Colorado's aerospace and tech industries create strong demand for chemistry graduates, particularly in materials testing and quality control roles. University of Colorado Denver graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $47,260 annually, reflecting the urban job market. Fort Lewis College graduates start at $32,119, showing geographic salary differences. Colorado's growing startup scene and established companies like Ball Aerospace provide career advancement opportunities for chemistry professionals.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.