2026 Best Value Chemical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Chemical Engineering master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 214 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 compile 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 Master’s 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 master's degree schools in the United States. Located in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. Graduates carry a median of $7,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,992 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,250 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
Out of the 214 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #2 spot. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $13,980. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $13,980 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
You'll get strong value at Youngstown State University, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,545 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,545 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Youngstown State University
Out of the 214 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Akron, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $23,168 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Set against $23,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
You'll get strong value at Villanova University, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. 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 Villanova University
University Of Dayton came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $22,999. University Of Dayton alumni report median earnings of $75,537 a decade after entry. Set against $22,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full University Of Dayton report
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $19,844. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Set against $19,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Delaware placed #8 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Students borrow a median of $26,058 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. Set against $26,058 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $27,816 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Bucknell University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Based in Lewisburg, PA, Bucknell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,812. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $93,807 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Bucknell University report
University Of Houston landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Houston
Texas Tech University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Set 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, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $18,135. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Set against $18,135 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Chemical Engineering student 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. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of North Dakota placed #15 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. University Of North Dakota Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $26,950 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. Set against $26,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Michigan Technological University placed #16 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Students borrow a median of $24,750 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
Cornell University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $14,361. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Set against $14,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cornell University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #17 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Students borrow a median of $22,244 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Set against $22,244 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report
University Of South Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Mobile, AL. 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. Median earnings reach $49,379 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Alabama admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about University Of South Alabama
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Lehigh University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Lehigh University alumni report median earnings of $105,584 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 26%. More on Lehigh University
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. 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, compared with $14,900 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $28,000. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology alumni report median earnings of $72,257 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
University Of Arkansas came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $22,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Arkansas
Clemson University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $21,450. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. Set against $21,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on Clemson University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Chemical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Students borrow a median of $24,750 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kansas State University
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
North Carolina A And T State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A And T State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,813, with out-of-state students paying around $20,673. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $44,440 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Carolina A And T State University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $25,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. Set against $25,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 14% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $17,733 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. Set against $17,733 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
Tennessee Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $13,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,501 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,500 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Tennessee Technological University report
Arizona State University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arizona State University
Manhattan College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit school based in Riverdale, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,400. Manhattan College Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $26,503 in debt. Median earnings reach $86,316 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,503 median debt. Manhattan College has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on Manhattan College
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $61,251 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $19,875 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
New Mexico State University Main Campus placed #36 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,067. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Main Campus
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $18,205. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Set against $18,205 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
Iowa State University placed #39 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Iowa State University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $20,188 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on Iowa State University
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $20,050 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Set against $20,050 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $25,350. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Set against $25,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Auburn University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. 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. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Auburn University report
Northeastern University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. 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. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Mississippi State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mississippi State, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Mississippi State University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $23,298 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,298 median debt. Mississippi State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Mississippi State University
University Of Kansas ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. University Of Kansas Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $22,850. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $22,850 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $25,495. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Rice University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $13,178. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,718. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 8%. Get the full Rice University report
University Of Wyoming ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $20,283. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Related Chemical Engineering Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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).
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