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Cheapest Chemistry Colleges in Indiana

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

Chemistry programs in Indiana reveal a dramatic cost spectrum, with net prices ranging from $5,970 at Indiana University-Northwest to over $20,000 at some institutions. The state's four most affordable options all cluster around the $6,000-$8,500 range, primarily through IU regional campuses that maintain the same rigorous curriculum as flagship programs. Indiana's chemical manufacturing sector, anchored by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and specialty chemical companies throughout the state, creates steady demand for chemistry graduates. Earnings data shows Indiana University-Bloomington chemistry graduates averaging $41,007 annually, while graduates from more affordable programs like Indiana State University start around $34,526. The 21st Century Scholars program adds another layer of affordability, covering full tuition for qualifying Indiana residents. Regional IU campuses offer particularly strong value propositions, combining low costs with established laboratory facilities and research opportunities that prepare students for Indiana's growing biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
36
Programs
$5,970 – $40,665
Net Price Range
$35,591
Avg. Program Earnings
61.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
2 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
3 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
4 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
5 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
6 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
7 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
8 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
9 $12,621 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
10 $13,710 $29,982 68.2% 77.5%
11 $13,879 $12,830 33.3%
12 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
13 $15,342 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
14 $15,725 $37,760 60.5% 93.5%
15 $15,898 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
16 $18,406 $30,034 69.9% 84.6%
17 $18,748 $36,136 55.8% 76.1%
18 $19,268 $37,090 44.8% 66.4%
19 $19,726 $33,320 57.2% 99.5%
20 $20,230 $42,676 71.3% 76.3%
21 $20,361 $35,420 60.7% 98.1%
22 $21,583 $46,588 67.0% 94.2%
23 $21,826 $42,894 63.6% 74.1%
24 $21,906 $49,125 77.1% 61.5%
25 $22,144 $35,640 49.4% 51.8%
26 $22,762 $37,350 63.4% 92.9%
27 $23,069 $31,168 66.3% 86.7%
28 $23,594 $39,100 60.9% 93.8%
29 $24,327 $39,104 76.6% 74.6%
30 $24,516 $51,840 67.9% 73.2%
31 $24,546 $57,070 80.0% 65.8%
32 $25,580 $35,600 67.6% 91.9%
33 $27,823 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%
34 $28,552 $51,430 76.5% 83.9%
35 $38,472 $45,980 80.2% 82.1%
36 $40,665 $56,674 81.7% 73.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Indiana University's regional campuses so affordable for chemistry students?

Indiana University's regional campuses offer chemistry programs with net prices between $5,970 and $8,364, significantly lower than the main campus at $15,342. These campuses maintain the same IU chemistry curriculum and degree standards while serving local populations with reduced overhead costs. Students gain access to modern laboratory equipment and can often transfer to Bloomington for advanced coursework while keeping their overall costs manageable.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive chemistry programs in Indiana?

Graduation rates vary significantly across price points, with some surprising patterns. Indiana University-Bloomington achieves 81.2% graduation rates at $15,342 net cost, while Purdue's main campus reaches 83.1% at $13,945. However, affordable options like University of Southern Indiana maintain 52% graduation rates at just $12,621. The data shows that higher cost doesn't always guarantee better completion rates in chemistry programs.

Is the 21st Century Scholars program available for chemistry majors at all Indiana schools?

The 21st Century Scholars program covers tuition at participating Indiana public institutions, making programs like those at IU regional campuses essentially free for qualifying students. With in-state tuition around $8,179 at most IU campuses, eligible scholars pay only fees and living expenses. This program works at all public universities offering chemistry degrees, including Purdue campuses and Indiana State University.

Does location within Indiana affect chemistry job prospects and starting salaries?

Indiana's chemistry job market concentrates around pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly in Indianapolis and chemical manufacturers throughout the state. Graduates from IU-Bloomington earn an average of $41,007, reflecting access to major employers and research opportunities. Regional programs still connect students to local chemical plants and healthcare facilities, with Indiana State University graduates starting around $34,526 annually.

Where can chemistry students find the best value considering both cost and career outcomes?

Purdue University's main campus offers strong value at $13,945 net cost with strong industry connections and an 83.1% graduation rate. Indiana University-Indianapolis provides another sweet spot at $11,408 with direct access to pharmaceutical and biotech companies in the capital city. For students prioritizing minimal debt, IU's regional campuses under $9,000 net cost still provide solid chemistry foundations with transfer opportunities to research universities.

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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.