2026 Best Value Chemistry Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

Leading the list is Brigham Young University Provo, our #1 best-value Chemistry school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Chemistry students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. 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. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo

#2

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming came in at #2 on this year's best-value Chemistry ranking in the United States. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. The median Chemistry program debt is $20,283. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wyoming

#3

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

A rank of #3 makes University Of Delaware one of the best values in the United States. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. University Of Delaware Chemistry students take on a median of $24,893 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on University Of Delaware

#4

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Out of the 1380 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northern Illinois University landed the #4 spot. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Northern Illinois University Chemistry students take on a median of $23,023 in debt. 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. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Northern Illinois University

#5

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

Out of the 1380 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #5 spot. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#6

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston placed #6 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Chemistry program here. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Houston

#7

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $27,243 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $27,243 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas Tech University

#8

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas placed #8 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. University Of North Texas Chemistry students take on a median of $23,151 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,151 median debt. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas

#9

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley Chemistry students take on a median of $11,172 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,172 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#10

Illinois Institute Of Technology

Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute Of Technology landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,202. Graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,592 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Illinois Institute Of Technology profile

#11

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS

Wichita State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Chemistry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full Wichita State University profile

#11

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #11 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. University Of California Santa Barbara Chemistry students take on a median of $15,805 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,915 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile

#13

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University placed #13 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. The median Chemistry program debt is $24,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northeastern University

#14

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. The median Chemistry program debt is $17,499. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $17,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Get the full San Diego State University report

#15

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University placed #15 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Typical Chemistry student debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Iowa State University profile

#16

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,530. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report

#17

Ohio University Main Campus

Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus ranked #17 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. Graduates carry a median of $25,751 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Set against $25,751 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus

#17

Bowling Green State University Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus

#19

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Typical Chemistry student 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 has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus

#20

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,552 to complete their Chemistry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,614. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Reno

#20

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Chemistry program here. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus

#22

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,121 to complete their Chemistry program here. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,121 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full Cornell University profile

#23

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Temple University

#24

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #24 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Located 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 Chemistry program debt is $14,910. Median earnings reach $61,251 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,910 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

#24

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. The median Chemistry program debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#26

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University placed #26 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. This public school is set in Boca Raton, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemistry student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,746. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. More on Florida Atlantic University

#27

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $21,158. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $21,158 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile

#28

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Cleveland State University is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Cleveland State University Chemistry students take on a median of $24,744 in debt. Cleveland State University alumni report median earnings of $52,131 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,744 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Cleveland State University profile

#29

University Of New Orleans

New Orleans, LA

University Of New Orleans offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in New Orleans, LA, University Of New Orleans is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,172, compared with $14,008 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,048 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,872. That is a strong return on a $23,048 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of New Orleans

#30

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemistry student debt is $19,500. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile

#31

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Chemistry students take on a median of $20,154 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#32

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Stanford University Chemistry students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Stanford University profile

#33

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemistry student debt is $21,238. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Set against $21,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park

#33

The University Of Texas At Arlington

Arlington, TX

The University Of Texas At Arlington ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Based in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. Students borrow a median of $21,632 to complete their Chemistry program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,199 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,632 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Arlington

#33

The University Of Texas At El Paso

El Paso, TX

The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,923 ten years out. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. Get the full The University Of Texas At El Paso report

#33

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Chemistry students take on a median of $26,497 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $26,497 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile

#37

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis placed #37 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. 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. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Chemistry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of Memphis report

#38

University Of Nevada Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Students borrow a median of $21,181 to complete their Chemistry program here. University Of Nevada Las Vegas alumni report median earnings of $55,037 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas profile

#39

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus

#40

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. University Of California San Diego Chemistry students take on a median of $16,100 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California San Diego has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full University Of California San Diego report

#41

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,043 to complete their Chemistry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $26,043 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report

#42

Kent State University At Kent

Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent placed #42 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kent, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Chemistry program here. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent

#43

University Of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO

University Of Northern Colorado placed #43 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Located in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,901, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,626 to complete their Chemistry program here. Median earnings reach $52,231 ten years out. Set against $26,626 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Northern Colorado

#44

Portland State University

Portland, OR

Portland State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Portland State University is a public school based in Portland, OR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Graduates carry a median of $24,773 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,906 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Portland State University profile

#45

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $18,375 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $18,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Utah profile

#46

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Based in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. The median Chemistry program debt is $25,500. Median earnings reach $64,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Oregon State University report

#47

University Of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,373 to complete their Chemistry program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,738. That is a strong return on a $20,373 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Boulder

#47

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Chemistry program here. Northwestern University alumni report median earnings of $89,363 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants. More on Northwestern University

#49

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit school based in Winston-Salem, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,642. Wake Forest University Chemistry students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. Wake Forest University alumni report median earnings of $78,158 a decade after entry. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wake Forest University has an acceptance rate of 22%. See the full Wake Forest University profile

#50

Suny At Albany

Albany, NY

Suny At Albany landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Albany, NY, Suny At Albany is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,601, with out-of-state students paying around $30,991. Suny At Albany Chemistry students take on a median of $25,856 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,979. Set against $25,856 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%. More on Suny At Albany