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Cheapest Chemistry Colleges in Illinois

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

Millikin University delivers the state's most affordable Chemistry program at just $8,837 net cost, despite being a private institution that typically charges much more. This unusual positioning highlights how financial aid can transform college economics in Illinois, where net costs span from under $9,000 to over $18,000 across 15 institutions. Chemistry graduates from these programs enter a state economy where pharmaceutical companies like Abbott Laboratories and chemical manufacturers provide strong career pathways, particularly around Chicago's industrial corridor. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stands out with the highest post-graduation earnings at $44,861, though its net cost reaches $15,201. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with UIC offering Chemistry training at $12,313 while maintaining 60.3% graduation rates. Illinois MAP Grant funding helps bridge cost gaps for qualifying students, making these programs accessible across income levels.
46
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$40,432
Avg. Program Earnings
58.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

46 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
3 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
4 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
5 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
6 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
7 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
8 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
9 $12,909 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
10 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
11 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
12 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
13 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
14 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
15 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
16 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
17 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
18 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
19 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
20 $18,034 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
21 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
22 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
23 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
24 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
25 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
26 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
27 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
28 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
29 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
30 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
31 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
32 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
33 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
34 $23,033 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
35 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
36 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
37 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
38 $24,190 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
39 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
40 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
41 $26,984 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
42 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
43 $27,499 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
44 $29,141 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
45 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
46 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Millikin University's Chemistry program so affordable compared to other private colleges?

Millikin University offers strong financial aid that reduces the net cost to $8,837, even though the sticker price reaches $26,892. This represents a discount of over $18,000 annually. Private colleges often provide substantial merit aid to attract students, and Millikin's 75.4% acceptance rate suggests they actively recruit qualified Chemistry students.

How do graduation rates vary among Illinois Chemistry programs?

Graduation rates span dramatically from 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois University to 84.9% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Augustana College achieves 79.2% graduation rates at a $12,437 net cost. Schools like Chicago State and Governors State show concerning completion rates below 20%, which students should consider when evaluating program value.

Is University of Illinois Chicago worth the higher cost for Chemistry students?

UIC charges $12,313 net cost while graduating 60.3% of Chemistry students who earn $33,281 starting salaries. The school provides access to Chicago's chemical industry and research facilities. Students carry $20,474 average debt, which remains manageable given the urban job market opportunities.

Does attending University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign justify the premium pricing?

UIUC graduates earn $44,861 annually, the highest among Illinois Chemistry programs, while the net cost reaches $15,201. The school maintains an 84.9% graduation rate and accepts only 44.8% of applicants. Students graduate with $21,250 average debt but benefit from strong research opportunities and industry connections.

Where do Illinois Chemistry graduates find the best job prospects?

Chicago's pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing sectors offer the strongest opportunities, with companies like Abbott Laboratories providing research positions. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville graduates earn $42,682 annually at just $13,696 net cost. The state's varied industrial base supports Chemistry careers in manufacturing, healthcare, and environmental consulting across multiple regions.

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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.