2026 Best Value Chemistry Schools
Looking for the best-value Chemistry programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1380 schools 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Chemistry Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Idaho tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Chemistry programs schools in the United States. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. The median Chemistry program debt is $13,287. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
A rank of #2 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. The median Chemistry program debt is $12,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Pembroke earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $7,648. The median Chemistry program debt is $25,766. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke alumni report median earnings of $43,407 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,766 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
You'll get strong value at Western Carolina University, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Graduates carry a median of $20,824 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Carolina University
You'll get strong value at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. The median Chemistry program debt is $25,000. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #6 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $24,245. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. Set against $24,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Metropolitan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Typical Chemistry student debt is $29,646. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
Illinois State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Illinois State University Chemistry students take on a median of $24,875 in debt. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Set against $24,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
University Of Wisconsin Platteville landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,644 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,603. The median Chemistry program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,760. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Platteville
University Of Wyoming landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $20,283. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Western Illinois University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Chemistry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #14 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,568 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Chemistry students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,032 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania report
East Tennessee State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. East Tennessee State University is a public school based in Johnson City, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,216, with out-of-state students paying around $13,726. Students borrow a median of $21,301 to complete their Chemistry program here. Median earnings reach $44,859 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,301 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full East Tennessee State University report
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse placed #16 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,070 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,551 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse alumni report median earnings of $60,378 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. The median Chemistry program debt is $23,250. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Based in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Lindenwood University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,663 to complete their Chemistry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Lindenwood University
Texas A And M University Kingsville came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,892 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Graduates carry a median of $25,531 in student loans. Texas A And M University Kingsville alumni report median earnings of $51,450 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Kingsville has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. This public school is set in East Stroudsburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,236, while out-of-state students pay about $19,202. Graduates carry a median of $26,527 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,148. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Chemistry students take on a median of $23,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
California State University Channel Islands landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,159, while out-of-state students pay about $19,759. The median Chemistry program debt is $21,375. California State University Channel Islands alumni report median earnings of $62,152 a decade after entry. Set against $21,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Channel Islands has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about California State University Channel Islands
Montclair State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. The median Chemistry program debt is $23,600. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,600 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Montclair State University
University Of North Alabama ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. This public school is set in Florence, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,120, while out-of-state students pay about $22,320. Students borrow a median of $24,830 to complete their Chemistry program here. Median earnings reach $45,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,830 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on University Of North Alabama
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stevens Point, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Students borrow a median of $24,161 to complete their Chemistry program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report
University Of Minnesota Morris offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. University Of Minnesota Morris is a public school based in Morris, MN. Students from in state pay about $14,526 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,710. University Of Minnesota Morris Chemistry students take on a median of $21,080 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,919 ten years after entry. Set against $21,080 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Morris
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Chemistry Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus placed #29 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Based in Magnolia, AR, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,960, while out-of-state students pay about $15,690. The median Chemistry program debt is $20,385. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,385 median debt. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Parkside offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Kenosha, WI, University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,270 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,429. Students borrow a median of $24,485 to complete their Chemistry program here. University Of Wisconsin Parkside alumni report median earnings of $51,129 a decade after entry. Set against $24,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Parkside admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Parkside
University Of Houston placed #31 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. University Of Houston Chemistry students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full University Of Houston profile
Iowa State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. 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 $23,250 to complete their Chemistry program here. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Iowa State University
San Diego State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Graduates carry a median of $17,499 in student loans. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. Set against $17,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. See the full San Diego State University profile
Northern Illinois University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $23,023 to complete their Chemistry program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northern Illinois University
University Of West Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Carrollton, GA. Students from in state pay about $6,088 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,800. Typical Chemistry student debt is $26,170. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,587. Set against $26,170 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of West Georgia
University Of Houston Downtown placed #37 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Downtown is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,582, while out-of-state students pay about $17,434. University Of Houston Downtown Chemistry students take on a median of $23,925 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,551. Set against $23,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full University Of Houston Downtown profile
California State University Sacramento offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Students borrow a median of $27,749 to complete their Chemistry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. That is a strong return on a $27,749 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
Illinois Institute Of Technology ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Set in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,202 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Illinois Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,592 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
York College Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,588. Graduates carry a median of $26,537 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,012 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,537 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full York College Pennsylvania profile
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $27,500. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,500 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
University Of Delaware came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $24,893. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $24,893 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Typical Chemistry student debt is $20,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,246. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania report
Grand Valley State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Typical Chemistry student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
The University Of Texas Pan American landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. The University Of Texas Pan American Chemistry students take on a median of $10,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,620. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas Pan American profile
Georgia Southern University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Statesboro, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,022, while out-of-state students pay about $17,734. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete their Chemistry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,236. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Georgia Southern University profile
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Chemistry students take on a median of $25,751 in debt. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,751 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pomona, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. The median Chemistry program debt is $23,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,902 ten years after entry. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Florida Atlantic University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Florida Atlantic University is a public school based in Boca Raton, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Chemistry program here. Median earnings reach $56,746 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Atlantic University has an acceptance rate of 66%. More on Florida Atlantic University
University Of Memphis landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. University Of Memphis Chemistry students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of Memphis profile
Austin Peay State University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Based in Clarksville, TN, Austin Peay State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,006, while out-of-state students pay about $14,766. Austin Peay State University Chemistry students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,301 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Austin Peay State University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Austin Peay State University
The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. This public school is set in Galloway, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,266, compared with $24,524 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,990 to complete their Chemistry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,602. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Chemistry students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
Wichita State University placed #54 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about Wichita State University
Best Value Chemistry Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Chemistry Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemistry Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemistry Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemistry Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemistry Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemistry Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemistry 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 1380 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).