Skip to main content

Cheapest Chemistry Colleges in North Carolina

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

Chemistry students can save significantly by choosing public universities in North Carolina, where the cost gap between the most and least affordable options spans over $9,000 annually. Elizabeth City State University leads affordability at just $7,237 net cost, while UNC Chapel Hill delivers the highest graduation rate at 92.1% for only $12,983. North Carolina's Research Triangle Park hosts major pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline and biotech firms that actively recruit chemistry graduates. The state's public universities dominate the most affordable options, with 14 of the top 15 schools offering in-state tuition under $9,000. Earnings potential varies considerably, from $30,228 at UNC Chapel Hill to $42,682 at UNC Charlotte, reflecting different career paths in research versus industry. The NC Need-Based Scholarship program provides additional support for low-income students pursuing STEM degrees.
42
Programs
$7,237 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$35,855
Avg. Program Earnings
55.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

42 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
2 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
3 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
4 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
5 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
6 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
7 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
8 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
9 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
10 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
11 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
12 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
13 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
14 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
15 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
16 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
17 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
18 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
19 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
20 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
21 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
22 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
23 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
24 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
25 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
26 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
27 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
28 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
29 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
30 $22,858 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
31 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
32 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
33 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
34 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
35 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
36 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
37 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
38 $28,746 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
39 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
40 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
41 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
42 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Elizabeth City State University the most affordable chemistry option?

Elizabeth City State University offers the lowest net cost at $7,237 annually, with in-state tuition of just $3,412. The university maintains a 74.15% acceptance rate and 48.1% graduation rate. As a historically black institution, ECSU provides strong support systems for underrepresented students in STEM fields. The low costs make it particularly attractive for students seeking chemistry degrees without substantial debt.

How do graduation rates correlate with costs at North Carolina chemistry programs?

UNC Chapel Hill achieves the highest graduation rate at 92.1% while maintaining reasonable affordability at $12,983 net cost. In contrast, some of the cheapest options like Fayetteville State ($7,360) have lower graduation rates at 35.2%. North Carolina State University offers strong value with an 84.6% graduation rate for $16,931. The data shows that slightly higher costs often translate to better completion rates and student support.

Is UNC Charlotte worth the higher cost for chemistry students?

UNC Charlotte graduates earn the highest salaries at $42,682, significantly above the state average despite a net cost of $14,745. The university maintains a strong 67.7% graduation rate and 79.64% acceptance rate. Charlotte's banking and finance sectors create unique opportunities for chemistry graduates in materials science and analytical roles. The $21,500 average debt load remains manageable given the earning potential.

Does North Carolina offer good value compared to private chemistry programs?

Shaw University represents the only private option in the affordable range at $14,083 net cost, but shows a concerning 20.2% graduation rate. Public universities dominate the list with 14 of the top 15 most affordable programs. In-state students pay between $3,412 and $8,989 annually at public institutions. The public university system provides strong value for chemistry education while maintaining strong industry connections.

Where do North Carolina chemistry graduates find the best job opportunities?

The Research Triangle area hosts pharmaceutical giants like GlaxoSmithKline, Biogen, and numerous biotech startups seeking chemistry graduates. Charlotte's financial sector employs analytical chemists for materials testing and quality control. UNC Charlotte graduates earn $42,682 on average, reflecting the city's strong job market. East Carolina graduates earn $40,792, benefiting from the university's research partnerships and proximity to chemical manufacturing facilities.

More Chemistry Rankings

Best Value Chemistry in North Carolina Chemistry Under $20,000 in North Carolina

Related

All Chemistry Programs Best Colleges in North Carolina Best Chemistry in North Carolina

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