2026 Best Value Chemical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Chemical Engineering doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 214 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Chemical Engineering doctoral degree schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,274. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $7,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. That is a strong return on a $7,250 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
A rank of #2 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. 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. That is a strong return on a $13,980 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at University Of Akron Main Campus, which ranked #3 this year. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $23,168. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
A rank of #4 makes The University Of Texas At Austin one of the best values in the United States. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas Tech University earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $28,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Tech University
University Of Delaware came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $26,058. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about University Of Delaware
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $18,135. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
University Of Houston came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full University Of Houston report
Lamar University placed #9 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,905, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. 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 admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Lamar University
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $21,947 in debt. 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. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Michigan Technological University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $24,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $27,816 in debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $27,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Cornell University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Students borrow a median of $14,361 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,361 median debt. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about Cornell University
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #14 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 14% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Lehigh University placed #16 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bethlehem, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,980. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $105,584 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants. Get the full Lehigh University report
Clemson University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $21,450 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Set against $21,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Clemson University
University Of North Dakota ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $26,950. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $26,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on University Of North Dakota
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,244 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $22,244 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $20,188 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Set 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. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $25,350. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $22,850. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Kansas State University placed #23 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $24,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Kansas State University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,875 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $25,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $17,733. Median earnings reach $86,863 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 17%. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Chemical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $23,250. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Florida landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,050 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Set against $20,050 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read more about University Of Florida
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located 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, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,251 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,500, with out-of-state students paying around $14,900. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,257 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #30 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $25,495. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,495 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
University Of California Berkeley came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $18,155 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $18,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Auburn University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $23,104. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. Set against $23,104 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 46%. See the full Auburn University profile
University Of Wyoming landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $20,283. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #34 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $19,875. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $19,875 median debt. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #35 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,825 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,825 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #37 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Graduates carry a median of $21,333 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. Set against $21,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
Northeastern University placed #38 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full Northeastern University report
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $14,937. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
Rice University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $61,247. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $13,178. Median earnings reach $89,718 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,178 median debt. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. More on Rice University
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,396. Students borrow a median of $15,209 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $143,372 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,209 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology report
Carnegie Mellon University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $23,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $114,862. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University
Arizona State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Arizona State University
University Of Utah landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Utah profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #44 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $24,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Missouri University Of Science And Technology ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. This public school is set in Rolla, MO. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,957. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Missouri University Of Science And Technology report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Florida State University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,675. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Florida State University report
University Of California Davis ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $16,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. See the full University Of California Davis profile
University Of Tulsa offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Tulsa, OK, University Of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,546. Students borrow a median of $23,638 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. University Of Tulsa alumni report median earnings of $61,408 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Tulsa profile
Related Chemical Engineering Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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).