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2026 Best Chemical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools

2026 Best Chemical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools

Looking for the best Chemical Engineering doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 214 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.

To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.

Top 25 Chemical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

Here are the top-ranked schools:

Our analysis found Massachusetts Institute Of Technology to be the best Chemical Engineering school in the United States. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,396. Graduates carry a median of $15,209 in student loans. Read the full report on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

#2

Rice University

Houston, TX

You'll be in good company at Rice University, which ranked #2 this year. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Rice University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $13,178 in debt. More on Rice University

#3

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

The strong Chemical Engineering programs at Carnegie Mellon University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Graduates carry a median of $23,125 in student loans. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University

#4

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

The strong Chemical Engineering programs at University Of Notre Dame earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,025. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. More on University Of Notre Dame

You'll be in good company at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,844 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin

#6

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University placed #6 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $16,500. See the full Northwestern University profile

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Chemical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

#8

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University placed #8 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Princeton University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Graduates carry a median of $10,888 in student loans. Read the full report on Princeton University

#9

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Chemical Engineering schools. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $14,361. More on Cornell University

#10

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University placed #10 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Vanderbilt University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $13,975. Read the full report on Vanderbilt University

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #11 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. About 93% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $21,250. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Texas A And M University College Station placed #12 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Texas A And M University College Station posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $18,135. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station

#13

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Chemical Engineering schools. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,733 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus

University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #14 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $21,947. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

#15

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus came in at #15 in this year's ranking. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $25,350 in student loans. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile

#17

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $20,500. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania

North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #18 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $22,244. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #19 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,850 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#20

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University placed #20 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Lehigh University graduates 88% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Read more about Lehigh University

#21

Auburn University

Auburn, AL

Auburn University landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Auburn University graduates 82% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Students borrow a median of $23,104 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Read the full report on Auburn University

#22

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,050 in student loans. Read more about University Of Florida

Michigan Technological University landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. Michigan Technological University graduates 68% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $24,750. Read more about Michigan Technological University

Colorado School Of Mines ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Chemical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Golden, CO. About 82% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,914, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Colorado School Of Mines Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. See the full Colorado School Of Mines profile

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #25 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Read more about Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

Rest of the Top 50 Best Chemical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

These schools also placed among the very best this year:

Iowa State University did well this year, earning the #26 position. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. About 75% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,188 in student loans. Get the full Iowa State University report

#27

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Get the full Texas Tech University report

#28

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. Michigan State University graduates 81% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $26,573. Read the full report on Michigan State University

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #29 in this year's ranking. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. University Of Washington Seattle Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $19,875 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $25,495. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile

Case Western Reserve University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Cleveland, OH, Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 87% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $66,608 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Read more about Case Western Reserve University

University Of Southern California placed #32 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $13,000. Read the full report on University Of Southern California

University Of California Berkeley landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. University Of California Berkeley posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $18,155. Read more about University Of California Berkeley

#34

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Newark, DE. University Of Delaware graduates 82% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $26,058. Read more about University Of Delaware

#35

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Chemical Engineering schools. University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. University Of Rochester posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,080. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $23,000. Read more about University Of Rochester

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute did well this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates 84% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,078. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $25,332. Read more about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

#37

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University placed #37 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. About 87% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Clemson University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $21,450 in debt. More on Clemson University

#38

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. See the full University Of Houston profile

University Of Maryland College Park did well this year, earning the #39 position. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. University Of Maryland College Park posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $23,250. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile

University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. University Of Missouri Columbia posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $27,825 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia

Missouri University Of Science And Technology ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Chemical Engineering schools. Based in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. About 64% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,984, with out-of-state students paying around $33,248. Missouri University Of Science And Technology Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. More on Missouri University Of Science And Technology

#42

Tulane University Of Louisiana

New Orleans, LA

Tulane University Of Louisiana ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Chemical Engineering schools. Located in New Orleans, LA, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,678. Students borrow a median of $22,077 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. More on Tulane University Of Louisiana

Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Get the full Ohio State University Main Campus report

Stevens Institute Of Technology came in at #44 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hoboken, NJ. About 87% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $63,462. Students borrow a median of $26,686 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Read more about Stevens Institute Of Technology

University Of California Los Angeles placed #45 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $18,205. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile

#46

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University placed #46 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. About 92% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Stanford University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Read more about Stanford University

University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Chemical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $14,937. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report

#48

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University placed #48 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $24,750 in student loans. See the full Kansas State University profile

Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $25,875 in student loans. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #50 among Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. About 74% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $21,333. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report

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Ranking Methodology & Notes

The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 214 ranked schools only.

References

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