2026 Best Value Chemistry Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Chemistry master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1380 schools 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. 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. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 1380 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #2 spot. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chemistry students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
A rank of #3 makes Illinois State University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Illinois State University Chemistry students take on a median of $24,875 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $24,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Illinois State University
A rank of #4 makes Texas A And M University Kingsville one of the best values in the United States. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,892 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Texas A And M University Kingsville Chemistry students take on a median of $25,531 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,450 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,531 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Texas A And M University Kingsville
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Montclair State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Graduates carry a median of $23,600 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Montclair State University
Western Illinois University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. The median Chemistry program debt is $23,750. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
University Of Delaware placed #8 among the best-value Chemistry schools 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. The median Chemistry program debt is $24,893. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $24,893 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware
University Of Houston placed #9 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. The median Chemistry program debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Houston
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $23,023 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $23,023 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read more about Northern Illinois University
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #11 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #12 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. The University Of Texas Pan American is a public school based in Edinburg, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $10,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,620 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas Pan American profile
Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,202. The median Chemistry program debt is $26,774. Median earnings reach $82,592 ten years out. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
Ohio University Main Campus placed #14 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,751 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Set against $25,751 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Texas Tech University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Chemistry students take on a median of $27,243 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $27,243 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Northeastern University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Wichita State University
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemistry student debt is $23,151. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #19 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Chemistry program here. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
California State University Sacramento came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,749 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. That is a strong return on a $27,749 median debt. California State University Sacramento has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full California State University Sacramento report
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. 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. Graduates carry a median of $17,499 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. Set against $17,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Read the full report on San Diego State University
California State Polytechnic University Pomona placed #23 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public school based in Pomona, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,902 ten years out. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
East Carolina University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. East Carolina University is a public school based in Greenville, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. The median Chemistry program debt is $24,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,146. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on East Carolina University
University Of California Berkeley came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,172 in student loans. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,172 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Chemistry Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Cornell University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Cornell University Chemistry students take on a median of $15,121 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $15,121 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on Cornell University
Iowa State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Typical Chemistry student debt is $23,250. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Iowa State University profile
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Typical Chemistry student debt is $20,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on University Of Memphis
Loyola University Chicago came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,530. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Loyola University Chicago report
Sam Houston State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Students borrow a median of $28,775 to complete their Chemistry program here. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Chemistry program here. 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. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. The median Chemistry program debt is $16,552. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
Florida Atlantic University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Chemistry student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, 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. Read more about Florida Atlantic University
Temple University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. The median Chemistry program debt is $24,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. See the full Temple University profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,158 to complete their Chemistry program here. 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. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of New Haven landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Haven, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $47,332. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Chemistry program here. Median earnings reach $60,126 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of New Haven has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on University Of New Haven
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Chemistry students take on a median of $26,043 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of New Orleans came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,172, compared with $14,008 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemistry student debt is $23,048. University Of New Orleans alumni report median earnings of $47,872 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of New Orleans admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of New Orleans
California State University Fullerton came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemistry student debt is $18,675. California State University Fullerton alumni report median earnings of $62,951 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,675 median debt. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #39 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemistry student debt is $15,259. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Typical Chemistry student debt is $22,337. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
California State University Long Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Typical Chemistry student debt is $15,680. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University Long Beach
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. That is a strong return on a $15,805 median debt. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,910 to complete their Chemistry program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,251 ten years after entry. Set against $14,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read more about Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Cleveland State University landed the #45 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 average $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,744 to complete their Chemistry program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,131. Set against $24,744 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cleveland State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Cleveland State University
California State University Los Angeles landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. California State University Los Angeles Chemistry students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,211. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on California State University Los Angeles
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #48 among the best-value Chemistry schools in the United States. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $20,154 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Set against $20,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemistry schools. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. The median Chemistry program debt is $29,438. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,019 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median Chemistry program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemistry Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemistry Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.