Skip to main content

Cheapest Chemistry Colleges in Michigan

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

University of Michigan-Dearborn delivers the state's most affordable Chemistry education at just $10,904 net cost, while Michigan Tech graduates earn $41,937 annually. This $7,825 cost gap between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects Michigan's mix of regional campuses and specialized institutions. Chemistry graduates find ready employment in Michigan's automotive sector, where companies like Ford and GM increasingly need materials scientists for electric vehicle battery development. Wayne State graduates start at $33,281, considerably lower than the state average, though the Detroit location provides direct access to automotive research facilities. The state's 15 programs range from Lake Superior State's northern location near mining operations to Ann Arbor's research powerhouse with its 93.2% graduation rate. Michigan's Achievement Scholarship adds up to $5,500 for residents, making already affordable public options even more accessible for chemistry students entering a field where advanced materials and green technology drive regional economic growth.
30
Programs
$10,904 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$39,353
Avg. Program Earnings
61.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
2 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
3 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
4 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
5 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
6 $14,582 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
7 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
8 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
9 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
10 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
11 $16,179 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
12 $16,882 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%
13 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
14 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
15 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
16 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
17 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
18 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
19 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
20 $18,873 $58,764 81.7% 79.3%
21 $18,902 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
22 $20,751 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
23 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
24 $21,158 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
25 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
26 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
27 $24,783 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
28 $25,749 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
29 $33,092 $46,380 70.5% 80.8%
30 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Michigan-Dearborn the most affordable chemistry option?

Michigan-Dearborn's $10,904 net cost beats every other program in the state by at least $1,298. The campus maintains a 54.1% acceptance rate while keeping costs low through its regional focus. Students get University of Michigan credentials at nearly half the cost of the Ann Arbor flagship campus.

How do earnings vary among Michigan chemistry graduates?

Michigan Tech graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $41,937, followed closely by Grand Valley State at $40,737. Wayne State graduates start at $33,281, the lowest among reporting schools. This $8,656 earnings gap often reflects geographic location and industry connections more than program quality.

Is Michigan Tech worth the higher cost for chemistry students?

Michigan Tech's $15,729 net cost produces graduates earning $41,937, creating strong return on investment. The school's 68.7% graduation rate and 93.7% acceptance rate indicate both accessibility and student success. Tech's location in Houghton provides unique access to mining and materials research opportunities.

Does private school chemistry education cost significantly more in Michigan?

Private options like University of Detroit Mercy cost $16,179 net, only $5,275 more than the cheapest public option. Albion College represents the extreme at $16,882 net despite a $55,746 sticker price. Most students find private chemistry programs surprisingly affordable after financial aid.

Where do Michigan chemistry graduates find the best job prospects?

Detroit area schools like Wayne State and University of Detroit Mercy provide direct access to automotive research positions at Ford, GM, and Stellantis. Michigan's growing electric vehicle sector needs battery chemistry specialists. The state's Achievement Scholarship of up to $5,500 helps residents access these career pathways affordably.

More Chemistry Rankings

Best Value Chemistry in Michigan Chemistry Under $20,000 in Michigan

Related

All Chemistry Programs Best Colleges in Michigan Best Chemistry in Michigan

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