Cheapest Chemistry Colleges in Minnesota

Chemistry programs in Minnesota span an enormous cost spectrum from $9,110 at the University of Minnesota-Morris to over $49,000 at private institutions like St Catherine University. This 5-to-1 price difference creates distinct pathways for students, with public universities dominating the affordability market through Minnesota's solid state funding system. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers perhaps the best value proposition, combining relatively low costs with strong industry connections to Minnesota's thriving healthcare sector, including Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth Group, which actively recruit chemistry graduates for pharmaceutical research and medical device development. Saint Cloud State University provides another compelling option at $14,485 net price, though its 46.90% graduation rate suggests students should carefully evaluate program support systems. Minnesota's strong grant aid system helps bridge the gap for low-income students, making these affordable chemistry programs particularly accessible. The state's growing biotech corridor and established agricultural industry create solid career prospects for chemistry graduates willing to invest in these cost-effective educational pathways.

Programs

$9,110 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$37,476

Avg. Program Earnings

65.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Minnesota-Morris Morris, Minnesota	$9,110	$14,288	61.9%	77.7%
2	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
3	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
4	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
5	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
6	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566	$25,000	58.8%	69.1%
7	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680	$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
8	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
9	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
10	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
11	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
12	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
13	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
14	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
15	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
16	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752	$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
17	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
18	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, Minnesota	$23,949	$40,454	63.0%	96.6%
19	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
20	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
21	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
22	Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota	$27,320	$65,457	91.2%	16.6%
23	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
24	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
25	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980	$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
26	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Minnesota-Morris such an affordable option for chemistry students?

The University of Minnesota-Morris offers the lowest net price at $9,110 while maintaining a solid 61.90% graduation rate. As part of the University of Minnesota system, students benefit from strong state funding that keeps costs down. The campus serves just over 1,600 students, creating small class sizes that can benefit chemistry majors who need hands-on lab experience.

How do graduation rates vary among Minnesota's most affordable chemistry programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 38.40% at Metropolitan State University to 84.80% at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Most affordable public options cluster between 44-62%, with Saint Cloud State at 46.90% and Bemidji State at 53.40%. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out with both reasonable costs at $17,139 net price and strong completion rates.

Is the earnings potential worth the investment at these lower-cost schools?

Early career earnings range from $32,569 to $44,384 among schools with available data. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn $39,969, providing solid returns given the $17,139 investment. University of Minnesota-Duluth offers similar value with $37,208 earnings at $18,464 cost. These figures reflect Minnesota's strong healthcare and biotech job market.

Does Minnesota State Grant aid significantly impact chemistry program costs?

Minnesota's need-based grant system helps explain why public university net prices often fall well below sticker prices. For example, Saint Cloud State's in-state tuition is $10,117, but the net price averages $14,485, indicating students typically pay additional fees and living costs. The grant system particularly benefits chemistry students who often need extended time in labs.

Where do chemistry graduates from these affordable programs typically find employment?

Minnesota's healthcare sector, anchored by Mayo Clinic and UnitedHealth Group, actively recruits chemistry graduates for pharmaceutical research and quality control positions. The state also hosts major agricultural companies like Cargill that need analytical chemists. Manufacturing firms including 3M provide additional career paths, particularly for graduates from University of Minnesota campuses with strong industry connections.

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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.