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Cheapest Chemistry Colleges in Wisconsin

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

Chemistry education costs in Wisconsin reveal a $12,589 gap between the most affordable public option and top-tier programs. University of Wisconsin-Parkside leads with a $10,044 net price, while UW-Madison commands $16,928 despite offering the highest graduate earnings at $47,260. The state's chemical manufacturing sector, anchored by companies like Kimberly-Clark and GE Healthcare, creates strong demand for chemistry graduates. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with 12 of the 15 cheapest programs offered through the UW system. Students benefit from Wisconsin's manufacturing base, where chemical expertise supports everything from paper production to medical device development. Graduation rates vary significantly across price points, from 39.80% at the cheapest program to 89.30% at UW-Madison. The Wisconsin Grant provides additional support for in-state students, making these already affordable programs even more accessible for residents pursuing chemistry careers.
28
Programs
$10,044 – $29,237
Net Price Range
$41,490
Avg. Program Earnings
61.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
2 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
3 $13,405 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
4 $13,726 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
5 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
6 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
7 $14,761 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
8 $14,785 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
9 $15,374 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
10 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
11 $16,722 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%
12 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
13 $16,948 $9,277 67.6% 76.6%
14 $18,295 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
15 $20,780 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%
16 $21,176 $50,700 59.9% 81.3%
17 $21,315 $35,080 62.7% 93.8%
18 $21,924 $58,554 67.2% 65.9%
19 $22,092 $32,286 55.7% 99.5%
20 $22,633 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
21 $23,341 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
22 $24,362 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
23 $24,563 $55,461 76.4% 72.3%
24 $24,813 $36,500 60.5% 81.8%
25 $25,634 $34,850 67.4% 98.6%
26 $25,674 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%
27 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
28 $29,237 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Wisconsin-Parkside's chemistry program so affordable?

UW-Parkside offers the lowest net price at $10,044 annually for chemistry students. The school's location in Kenosha provides access to manufacturing and healthcare employers while maintaining lower operational costs. However, students should consider the 39.80% graduation rate when evaluating this option. The program serves as an entry point for students seeking chemistry education without significant debt.

How do earnings compare across Wisconsin's affordable chemistry programs?

Chemistry graduates see substantial earning variations across Wisconsin programs, from $35,060 at UW-Milwaukee to $47,260 at UW-Madison. UW-Platteville graduates earn $44,189 annually while paying just $14,754 in net costs. UW-La Crosse offers strong value with $44,021 earnings and a 71.20% graduation rate. These figures reflect the strength of Wisconsin's chemical industry in supporting graduate careers.

Is the Wisconsin Grant program helpful for chemistry students?

The Wisconsin Grant significantly reduces costs for in-state chemistry students across the UW system. Students already benefit from in-state tuition ranging from $7,855 to $11,205 annually. The grant provides additional need-based assistance, making programs like UW-Green Bay even more affordable with its $8,342 in-state rate. This state support helps Wisconsin retain chemistry talent for its manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

Does UW-Madison justify its higher cost for chemistry students?

UW-Madison's $16,928 net price delivers the highest graduate earnings at $47,260 and an strong 89.30% graduation rate. The school's research opportunities and industry connections justify the premium over cheaper options. Students graduate with $22,250 in median debt, which proves manageable given the earning potential. The acceptance rate of 49.06% makes admission competitive compared to other Wisconsin chemistry programs.

Where do Wisconsin chemistry graduates typically find employment?

Wisconsin's chemical industry provides strong career paths through companies like Epic Systems, GE Healthcare, and Kimberly-Clark. The state's manufacturing base creates demand for analytical chemists and quality control specialists. Healthcare companies in Milwaukee and Madison hire biochemistry graduates for drug development and medical device work. Agricultural chemical companies also recruit throughout the state, offering starting salaries that align with the $35,060 to $47,260 range seen among 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.