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Cheapest Chemistry Colleges in Virginia

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

The Virginia Military Institute stands apart among affordable chemistry programs in Virginia with its 81.80% graduation rate, nearly double that of most public universities in the state. While the College at Wise offers the lowest net price at $11,180, chemistry students can find quality programs across a $11,000 range that spans from $11,180 to $22,197 annually. Virginia's proximity to federal research facilities and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman creates strong demand for chemistry graduates in materials science and environmental analysis. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with Norfolk State University providing in-state tuition at just $9,910 despite a net price of $12,973. The earnings data reveals chemistry graduates from programs like Radford University earn $37,568 within years of graduation, reflecting the state's growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors centered around Richmond and Northern Virginia.
36
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$34,022
Avg. Program Earnings
61.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
2 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
3 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
4 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
5 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
6 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
7 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
8 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
9 $18,849 $20,484 81.8% 71.1%
10 $19,452 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
11 $19,580 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
12 $20,173 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
13 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
14 $20,583 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
15 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
16 $20,814 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
17 $21,108 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
18 $21,816 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
19 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
20 $22,197 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
21 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%
22 $22,263 $42,260 69.7% 72.4%
23 $22,529 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
24 $22,881 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
25 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
26 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
27 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
28 $23,790 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
29 $23,911 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
30 $24,668 $52,388 65.3% 39.8%
31 $27,759 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
32 $27,786 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
33 $29,552 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
34 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
35 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
36 $33,417 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Virginia Military Institute unusual among affordable chemistry programs?

VMI combines military discipline with scientific rigor, producing an 81.80% graduation rate that far exceeds most affordable programs. The net price of $18,849 includes room, board, and military training that builds leadership skills valued by employers. Chemistry majors graduate as commissioned officers with immediate career prospects in military research or civilian laboratories. The structured environment helps students complete degrees at rates nearly double the state average for affordable programs.

How much can chemistry graduates expect to earn from these affordable programs?

Available earnings data shows Virginia chemistry graduates earning between $29,685 and $37,568 early in their careers. Radford University graduates report the highest earnings at $37,568 with manageable debt loads of $22,500. George Mason University graduates earn $32,925 with debt averaging $20,504, benefiting from proximity to Washington DC's research corridors. These figures reflect Virginia's strong job market in government contracting and pharmaceutical research.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private chemistry programs?

Public universities offer substantial savings, with in-state tuition ranging from $9,755 at Virginia State to $20,484 at VMI. Private colleges like Mary Baldwin University charge $33,157 in tuition alone, though financial aid brings net costs to $17,833. The College at Wise provides the most affordable option overall at $11,180 net price for in-state students. VTAG grants help Virginia residents attend private colleges, but public universities remain significantly more affordable.

Does admission difficulty correlate with program affordability in Virginia?

Most affordable chemistry programs maintain high acceptance rates, with Old Dominion University accepting 95.14% of applicants despite strong research opportunities. Virginia Military Institute presents the notable exception with 71.06% acceptance rate while maintaining affordability through state support. Norfolk State University accepts 89.50% of students while offering some of the lowest costs at $12,973 net price. These high acceptance rates make quality chemistry education accessible to most Virginia students.

Where do Virginia's affordable chemistry programs show the strongest job market connections?

Northern Virginia programs like George Mason University benefit from proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors requiring analytical chemists. Richmond area schools including Virginia Commonwealth University connect students with pharmaceutical companies and environmental consulting firms. The Hampton Roads region around Norfolk State and Old Dominion universities offers internships with naval research facilities and chemical manufacturers. Virginia's location between DC government labs and North Carolina's Research Triangle creates multiple pathways for chemistry graduates.

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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.