2026 Best Value Chemistry Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Chemistry bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1380 colleges 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 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 Chemistry Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Idaho, our #1 best-value Chemistry school in the United States. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete their Chemistry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #2 place in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Typical Chemistry student debt is $12,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke came in at #3 on this year's best-value Chemistry ranking in the United States. Set in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,766 to complete their Chemistry program here. Median earnings reach $43,407 ten years out. Set against $25,766 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke report
A rank of #4 makes Western Carolina University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Students borrow a median of $20,824 to complete their Chemistry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Carolina University
A rank of #5 makes Southern Illinois University Edwardsville one of the best values in the United States. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Chemistry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #6 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Based in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemistry student debt is $24,245. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,458. That is a strong return on a $24,245 median debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Metropolitan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Metropolitan State University Chemistry students take on a median of $29,646 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
East Tennessee State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Johnson City, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. East Tennessee State University Chemistry students take on a median of $21,301 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,859 ten years after entry. Set against $21,301 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full East Tennessee State University profile
University Of Wyoming placed #9 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Typical Chemistry student debt is $20,283. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
University Of Wisconsin Platteville offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,644, with out-of-state students paying around $17,603. Typical Chemistry student debt is $26,000. University Of Wisconsin Platteville alumni report median earnings of $61,760 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Platteville has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Platteville report
Western Illinois University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Typical Chemistry student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Illinois University
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,032 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $23,250. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,070, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,551 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,378 ten years out. Set against $23,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemistry student debt is $25,250. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile
Lindenwood University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. More on Lindenwood University
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in East Stroudsburg, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,236, compared with $19,202 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,527 to complete their Chemistry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,148. Set against $26,527 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania
California State University Channel Islands offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,159, compared with $19,759 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,375 to complete their Chemistry program here. Median earnings reach $62,152 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full California State University Channel Islands profile
University Of North Alabama placed #22 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. University Of North Alabama is a public school based in Florence, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. Graduates carry a median of $24,830 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,415. That is a strong return on a $24,830 median debt. University Of North Alabama admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Alabama
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stevens Point, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point Chemistry students take on a median of $24,161 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,021. Set against $24,161 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
University Of Minnesota Morris placed #24 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Located in Morris, MN, University Of Minnesota Morris is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,710. The median Chemistry program debt is $21,080. Median earnings reach $50,919 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Minnesota Morris profile
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Magnolia, AR, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,960, with out-of-state students paying around $15,690. Typical Chemistry student debt is $20,385. Median earnings reach $42,386 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Eastern Michigan University placed #27 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ypsilanti, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. Eastern Michigan University Chemistry students take on a median of $22,300 in debt. Eastern Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $51,793 a decade after entry. Set against $22,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full Eastern Michigan University profile
Iowa State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Chemistry program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Iowa State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Chemistry Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
San Diego State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $17,499. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%. See the full San Diego State University profile
University Of Wisconsin Parkside placed #31 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kenosha, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,270, while out-of-state students pay about $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. That is a strong return on a $24,485 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Parkside
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Graduates carry a median of $23,600 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Set against $23,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Montclair State University
University Of West Georgia landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $26,170. Median earnings reach $49,587 ten years out. Set against $26,170 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of West Georgia
University Of Houston Downtown ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,582, compared with $17,434 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemistry student debt is $23,925. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,551 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,925 median debt. University Of Houston Downtown has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full University Of Houston Downtown 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. The median Chemistry program debt is $23,023. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,023 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Illinois University
California State University Sacramento landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Typical Chemistry student debt is $27,749. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,876 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,749 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Sacramento
York College Pennsylvania ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,588. The median Chemistry program debt is $26,537. Median earnings reach $61,012 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about York College Pennsylvania
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete their Chemistry program here. Median earnings reach $55,246 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
Florida Atlantic University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Florida Atlantic University is a public school based in Boca Raton, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. More on Florida Atlantic University
Grand Valley State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $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%. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
Western Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. The median Chemistry program debt is $27,981. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,562 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,981 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full Western Michigan University profile
Georgia Southern University placed #42 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Georgia Southern University is a public school based in Statesboro, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,022, while out-of-state students pay about $17,734. Graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,236. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Georgia Southern University
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. University Of Akron Main Campus Chemistry students take on a median of $27,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $27,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public school based in Pomona, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. 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. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
University Of Minnesota Duluth came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public school based in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,608, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Duluth Chemistry students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Duluth
University Of Houston placed #46 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Chemistry program here. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Houston
Illinois State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Typical Chemistry student debt is $24,875. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $24,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Illinois State University
Texas A And M University Kingsville landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kingsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Students borrow a median of $25,531 to complete their Chemistry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
University Of Memphis ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemistry student debt is $20,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
Austin Peay State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Clarksville, TN, Austin Peay State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,006, compared with $14,766 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,301 ten years after entry. 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. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a public school based in Galloway, NJ. Students from in state pay about $16,266 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,524. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey Chemistry students take on a median of $24,990 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,602. That is a strong return on a $24,990 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey profile
Cleveland State University landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Students borrow a median of $24,744 to complete their Chemistry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,131. That is a strong return on a $24,744 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cleveland State University report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #54 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. The median Chemistry program debt is $22,337. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Related Chemistry Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Chemistry Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Chemistry Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemistry Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemistry Associate’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
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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).
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