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Cheapest Chemistry Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Swarthmore College stands out dramatically among Pennsylvania's cheapest Chemistry programs, charging just $18,686 net despite a sticker price of $62,412. This elite liberal arts school achieves a 94.10% graduation rate while maintaining highly selective 6.93% acceptance standards. The affordability gap between public and private options spans significantly, with Cheyney University offering the lowest net cost at $9,837 compared to private alternatives exceeding $40,000 in published tuition. Pennsylvania's chemical industry provides strong career prospects for graduates, with major pharmaceutical companies and UPMC's research facilities creating demand for trained chemists. The state's 15 most affordable programs show graduation rates ranging from 16.20% to 94.10%, while early career earnings for Chemistry graduates reach up to $50,856 annually. Most public universities maintain the typical $27,000 debt load, though Millersville University reports lower debt at $18,250. The PA State Grant program helps reduce costs for in-state students attending public institutions, making schools like East Stroudsburg University particularly attractive with their $11,036 in-state tuition.
50
Programs
$9,837 – $29,219
Net Price Range
$42,048
Avg. Program Earnings
60.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
2 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
3 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
4 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
5 $17,034 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
6 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
7 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
8 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
9 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
10 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
11 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
12 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
13 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
14 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
15 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
16 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
17 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
18 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
19 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
20 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
21 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
22 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
23 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
24 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
25 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
26 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
27 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
28 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
29 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
30 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
31 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
32 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
33 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
34 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
35 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
36 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
37 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
38 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
39 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
40 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
41 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
42 $27,243 $43,300 52.2% 95.4%
43 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
44 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
45 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
46 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
47 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
48 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
49 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
50 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Swarthmore College's low net price compared to other private schools?

Swarthmore College provides substantial financial aid that reduces the net cost to $18,686 from a sticker price of $62,412. This represents a discount of nearly 70% for qualifying students. The school's large endowment allows them to meet full demonstrated financial need. Most other private Chemistry programs in Pennsylvania charge net prices above $19,000 despite lower published tuition rates.

How do graduation rates vary among Pennsylvania's cheapest Chemistry programs?

Graduation rates span an enormous range from 16.20% at Cheyney University to 94.10% at Swarthmore College. Most public universities achieve graduation rates between 40-65%, with schools like Slippery Rock University reaching 65.90%. Private institutions generally maintain higher completion rates, with Saint Francis University achieving 72.80% graduation success. The lowest-cost option at Cheyney shows concerning completion statistics that prospective students should carefully consider.

Does attending a more expensive Chemistry program guarantee higher earnings?

Early career earnings data shows mixed results across price points in Pennsylvania. East Stroudsburg University graduates earn $50,856 annually despite the school's $15,089 net cost. University of Pittsburgh branch campuses report $37,424 earnings with net costs around $17,000-19,000. Millersville University graduates earn $38,559 with moderate debt loads of $18,250. The data suggests program quality and regional job connections matter more than tuition levels.

Where do Pennsylvania Chemistry graduates typically find employment?

Pennsylvania's chemical and pharmaceutical industry provides numerous opportunities for Chemistry graduates. UPMC operates extensive research facilities requiring analytical chemists and research associates. Major pharmaceutical companies maintain operations throughout the state, particularly in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh regions. The state's healthcare sector, including hospitals and medical device companies, also employs Chemistry graduates in quality control and product development roles.

What makes University of Pittsburgh's branch campuses attractive for Chemistry students?

Pitt's regional campuses in Bradford, Greensburg, and Johnstown offer identical $37,424 graduate earning potential with manageable $27,000 debt loads. These campuses maintain high acceptance rates above 93% while providing access to University of Pittsburgh resources and reputation. Net costs range from $16,630 to $18,952, making them more affordable than the main Pittsburgh campus. Graduation rates hover around 40-53% across the three locations.

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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.