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Cheapest Chemistry Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks stands out among Missouri chemistry programs with a net cost of just $7,669, nearly $4,000 less than the second most affordable option. This private nonprofit in Point Lookout achieves this through its unique work-study program, though it accepts only 21% of applicants. Missouri's chemistry education market serves a state economy heavily dependent on agricultural chemicals and pharmaceuticals, with companies like Monsanto driving demand for analytical chemists and research specialists. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with Missouri Southern State University offering the lowest published tuition at $8,400 for in-state students. However, graduation rates vary significantly across price points, from Lincoln University's 22% to Truman State's 68%. The earnings potential for chemistry graduates ranges from $25,194 to $46,673, with Missouri University of Science and Technology producing the highest-earning alumni at $46,478 annually. Students benefit from Missouri's A+ Scholarship program, which can cover community college prerequisites before transferring to four-year chemistry programs.
32
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$38,447
Avg. Program Earnings
56.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

32 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
3 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
4 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
5 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
6 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
7 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
8 $13,773 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
9 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
10 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
11 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
12 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
13 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
14 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
15 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
16 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
17 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
18 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
19 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
20 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
21 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
22 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
23 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
24 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
25 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
26 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
27 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
28 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
29 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
30 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
31 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
32 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so affordable for chemistry students?

College of the Ozarks operates a mandatory work-study program where students work 15 hours per week on campus to offset tuition costs. This reduces the net price to $7,669 despite a published tuition of $21,290. The college accepts only 21% of applicants, making admission highly competitive. Students graduate with minimal debt while earning a chemistry degree from an accredited institution.

How do graduation rates compare across Missouri's cheapest chemistry programs?

Graduation rates span a wide range among affordable programs, from Lincoln University's concerning 22% to Truman State's solid 68%. Missouri Southern State University graduates 38% of students despite its $8,400 in-state tuition. College of the Ozarks maintains a 61% graduation rate while offering the lowest net cost. These variations often reflect admission selectivity and student support services rather than program quality alone.

Does Missouri University of Science and Technology justify its higher cost?

Missouri S&T graduates earn $46,478 annually, the highest among Missouri chemistry programs and significantly above the state range of $25,194 to $46,673. The net cost of $13,773 represents strong value considering these earnings outcomes. The university maintains a 64% graduation rate and accepts 81% of applicants. Students often secure positions with major employers in Missouri's defense and agricultural chemical sectors.

Where do chemistry graduates find employment in Missouri's economy?

Missouri's economy relies heavily on agricultural chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, creating steady demand for chemistry graduates. Major employers include Monsanto (now Bayer) for agricultural research, Cerner for healthcare technology, and BJC HealthCare for clinical chemistry roles. The defense sector also provides opportunities, particularly around Missouri S&T's research programs. Starting salaries range from $25,194 to $46,673 depending on the employer and specialization area.

Is the A+ Scholarship useful for chemistry students?

The A+ Scholarship covers community college tuition for Missouri high school graduates, allowing students to complete chemistry prerequisites affordably before transferring. This strategy works particularly well for students targeting programs like Truman State ($12,030 net cost) or Missouri S&T. Students can save thousands on general education requirements while maintaining eligibility for four-year university aid. The scholarship requires a 2.5 GPA and 95% attendance in high school.

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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.