2026 Best Value Chemical Engineering Schools
Looking for the best-value Chemical Engineering programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 214 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Chemical Engineering Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $13,980 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 214 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez landed the #2 spot. Based in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $7,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,992 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,250 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez admits about 56% of applicants. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
A rank of #3 makes Austin Community College District one of the best values in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,519 in student loans. Austin Community College District alumni report median earnings of $43,177 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,519 median debt. Get the full Austin Community College District report
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Chemical Engineering ranking in the United States. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. University Of Akron Main Campus Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $23,168 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $23,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
A rank of #5 makes Youngstown State University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,545 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full Youngstown State University report
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,565 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,021. Set against $22,565 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
Louisiana Tech University placed #7 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,342 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,279 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana Tech University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
University Of North Dakota placed #8 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,950 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $26,950 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of North Dakota
University Of Minnesota Duluth offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $14,608, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $26,915. Median earnings reach $62,616 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Houston report
Texas Tech University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology placed #12 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,500, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $28,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,257. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology report
Lamar University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,905 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. Lamar University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $20,019 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,652. Set against $20,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lamar University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Lamar University profile
Purdue University Main Campus placed #14 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
West Virginia University Institute Of Technology came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Beckley, WV, West Virginia University Institute Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. Students borrow a median of $22,843 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. West Virginia University Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. West Virginia University Institute Of Technology admits about 37% of applicants. More on West Virginia University Institute Of Technology
Iowa State University placed #16 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $20,188 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,188 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on Iowa State University
University Of South Alabama placed #17 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Mobile, AL, University Of South Alabama is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,116, compared with $19,092 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $24,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,379. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of South Alabama report
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $24,500. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
California State Polytechnic University Pomona ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. California State Polytechnic University Pomona Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $21,812 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,902. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona report
Tennessee Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Tennessee Technological University is a public school based in Cookeville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,376, with out-of-state students paying around $15,576. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $13,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Tennessee Technological University
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 14%. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $22,244 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $22,244 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $19,844. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $61,251 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College report
University Of Florida ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $20,050. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $20,050 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Chemical Engineering Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Western Michigan University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Michigan University is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,562 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about Western Michigan University
Florida State University placed #27 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $25,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. Get the full Florida State University report
University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a public school based in Johnstown, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,906, with out-of-state students paying around $26,780. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $26,548 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,125. Set against $26,548 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $25,875 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,875 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
North Carolina A And T State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A And T State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,813, with out-of-state students paying around $20,673. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $26,000. North Carolina A And T State University alumni report median earnings of $44,440 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Carolina A And T State University profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $25,350 in debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,350 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Delaware ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Students borrow a median of $26,058 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on University Of Delaware
Kansas State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $24,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Kansas State University
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,135 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Mississippi State University placed #35 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $23,298. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,513. That is a strong return on a $23,298 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Mississippi State University
University Of Arkansas came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $22,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
San Jose State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about San Jose State University
University Of Toledo came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. University Of Toledo is a public school based in Toledo, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,157, compared with $21,517 for out-of-state students. University Of Toledo Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $25,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,632. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Toledo profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #39 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $21,947. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,947 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Auburn University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Students borrow a median of $23,104 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. Get the full Auburn University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $27,816. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $27,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #42 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $21,333. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. Set against $21,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
University Of Wyoming ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $22,850 in debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,850 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Louisiana Lafayette ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. Students from in state pay about $10,418 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,146. Graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,089 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Louisiana Lafayette
Cornell University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $14,361. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $14,361 median debt. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,825 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,825 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
Michigan Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Michigan Technological University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $24,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read more about Michigan Technological University
Missouri University Of Science And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,984 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,248 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,957. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on Missouri University Of Science And Technology
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,495 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $25,495 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Best Value Chemical Engineering Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 214 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).