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Cheapest Chemistry Colleges in Kentucky

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

Berea College stands out dramatically among Kentucky's chemistry programs, charging just $4,483 after aid while most private competitors exceed $13,000. This work-study college creates an unusual changing where the most affordable option actually has the most selective admissions at 24.58%. Meanwhile, public universities cluster between $7,168 and $17,634, with the University of Louisville offering the highest earning potential at $42,682 for chemistry graduates. Kentucky's chemical industry spans from bourbon distilleries requiring quality control chemists to pharmaceutical companies like Humana needing analytical specialists. The state's automotive sector, anchored by Toyota's Georgetown plant, also relies heavily on materials science and chemical engineering expertise. Northern Kentucky University provides strong value at $7,168 net cost while maintaining an 86% acceptance rate, making it accessible for students seeking affordable entry into chemistry careers.
21
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$34,423
Avg. Program Earnings
53.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
4 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
5 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
6 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
7 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
8 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
9 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
10 $13,591 $24,150 39.1%
11 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
12 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
13 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
14 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
15 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
16 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
17 $21,497 $50,550 85.3% 62.9%
18 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
19 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
20 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%
21 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College's chemistry program so affordable compared to other private schools?

Berea College operates on a unique work-study model where all students work on campus to help cover educational costs. This results in a net price of just $4,483, making it over $9,000 cheaper than the next most affordable private option. The college's endowment and commitment to serving low-income students allows them to offer this strong value. However, admission is highly competitive with only 24.58% of applicants accepted.

How do earnings compare between Kentucky's most and least expensive chemistry programs?

University of Louisville graduates earn $42,682 annually despite the school's $17,634 net cost, demonstrating strong return on investment. In contrast, Western Kentucky University shows the lowest earnings at $23,761 with a net cost of $10,916. The $18,921 earnings gap between these schools suggests that program reputation and location significantly impact career outcomes. Northern Kentucky University offers a middle ground with $41,565 earnings at just $7,168 net cost.

Is the University of Kentucky worth the higher cost for chemistry students?

UK charges $17,218 after aid but offers the second-highest graduation rate at 69.9% among schools with available data. Chemistry graduates earn $29,685 annually, which falls in the middle range for Kentucky schools. The university's research opportunities and connections to major employers like Toyota and pharmaceutical companies may justify the premium. Students graduate with $22,000 in debt on average, which remains manageable given career prospects.

Does Kentucky State University provide good value despite its low graduation rate?

Kentucky State charges just $8,900 net cost, making it the third most affordable option in the state. However, only 27.1% of students graduate, the lowest rate among schools reporting this data. The high dropout rate suggests significant academic or support challenges that prospective chemistry students should carefully consider. Students seeking maximum affordability might find better long-term value at Northern Kentucky University for just $1,732 more.

Where do Kentucky chemistry graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Kentucky's chemical industry spans bourbon distilleries requiring quality control specialists, pharmaceutical companies like Humana needing analytical chemists, and automotive manufacturers including Toyota's Georgetown facility. UPS's Worldport center also employs chemists for materials testing and safety compliance. Many graduates work in Louisville's healthcare sector or lexington's research institutions. The state's manufacturing base provides steady demand for chemistry expertise across multiple industries.

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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.