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Cheapest Chemistry Colleges in Maryland

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

Coppin State University offers Maryland's most affordable Chemistry program at just $6,007 net cost, creating an enormous $23,626 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options in the state. This price difference becomes even more striking when considering that some private institutions charge over $50,000 in tuition alone. Maryland's chemistry students benefit from proximity to major research employers including the National Institutes of Health, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and numerous biotech companies in the I-270 corridor. The state's 15 chemistry programs show remarkable variation in outcomes, with graduation rates spanning from 25.60% at the most affordable option to 94.60% at Johns Hopkins University. Public institutions dominate the affordable end, with eight of the ten cheapest programs offered by state schools. Students can access quality chemistry education for under $20,000 net cost at multiple institutions, including University of Maryland-College Park, which combines affordability with strong research opportunities and federal lab connections.
20
Programs
$6,007 – $29,633
Net Price Range
$36,517
Avg. Program Earnings
59.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
2 $14,035 $8,898 34.6% 81.6%
3 $15,015 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
4 $15,026 $25,200 40.0% 51.4%
5 $15,323 $9,998 52.1% 87.9%
6 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
7 $16,456 $10,638 67.4% 91.1%
8 $16,791 $11,306 67.6% 78.6%
9 $18,161 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
10 $18,328 $12,952 70.6% 80.6%
11 $18,362 $15,236 68.0% 77.3%
12 $19,335 $8,999 38.1% 86.5%
13 $20,923 $49,647 63.8% 82.1%
14 $23,707 $45,870 55.3% 77.9%
15 $23,774 $51,250 60.0% 80.2%
16 $24,536 $41,910 51.9% 69.6%
17 $24,987 $47,240 58.0% 79.6%
18 $26,806 $39,708 66.4% 84.1%
19 $29,095 $54,356 74.1% 74.7%
20 $29,633 $55,480 80.5% 83.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Coppin State University's Chemistry program so affordable?

Coppin State's net cost of $6,007 represents the lowest price point among Maryland's chemistry programs, with in-state tuition of just $7,001. As a public historically black university, Coppin State receives state funding that helps keep costs down for Maryland residents. The program maintains a 44.95% acceptance rate while serving Baltimore-area students. However, the 25.60% graduation rate indicates students should carefully consider academic support resources and program fit.

How do earnings compare between expensive and affordable Chemistry programs?

Salisbury University graduates earn $41,565 despite the program costing only $16,456 net, demonstrating that affordability doesn't necessarily limit earning potential. University of Maryland-College Park and Towson University graduates both earn $33,993, showing consistent outcomes across different price points. The data suggests that program quality and regional job market access matter more than tuition costs for chemistry career outcomes. Maryland's proximity to federal research facilities and biotech companies provides earning opportunities regardless of where students complete their degrees.

Is Johns Hopkins University worth the higher cost for Chemistry?

Johns Hopkins costs $18,161 net despite a sticker price of $63,340, thanks to generous financial aid for qualifying students. The program achieves a 94.60% graduation rate and maintains extremely selective 7.25% acceptance rate. Students graduate with just $12,366 in debt, lower than many public options, due to the university's strong aid programs. The Baltimore location provides direct access to top-tier research opportunities and pharmaceutical industry connections.

Does attending a public university guarantee lower costs for Chemistry?

Public universities dominate the affordable options, with all schools under $20,000 net cost being state institutions. However, in-state tuition varies significantly, from $7,001 at Coppin State to $15,236 at St. Mary's College of Maryland. Washington Adventist University, a private school, costs $15,026 net, falling between many public options. Maryland residents benefit from competitive public pricing, but students should compare net costs rather than assuming all state schools offer identical value.

Where do Maryland Chemistry graduates find employment opportunities?

Maryland's location creates unique opportunities through federal agencies like NIH, NSA, and FDA, all major chemistry employers. The I-270 biotech corridor houses numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies seeking chemistry graduates. Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland systems provide research connections that often lead to industry partnerships. Graduate earnings ranging from $33,993 to $41,565 reflect the strong regional job market, with proximity to Washington D.C. adding government contractor opportunities for chemistry professionals.

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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.