Best Colleges for Chemistry 2026
20 schools ranked by graduate earnings, real data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Top 20 Chemistry Programs by Graduate Earnings
| # | School | Earnings | Tuition | Accept Rate | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeastern University Boston, MA | $88,634 | $63,141 | 10% | 15,719 |
| 2 | Kalamazoo College Kalamazoo, MI | $75,833 | $58,764 | 76% | 1,175 |
| 3 | Western Washington University Bellingham, WA | $73,774 | $27,853 | 91% | 13,574 |
| 4 | Rutgers University-Camden Camden, NJ | $73,289 | $35,841 | 78% | 3,819 |
| 5 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ | $73,289 | $36,001 | 65% | 36,357 |
| 6 | Rutgers University-Newark Newark, NJ | $73,289 | $35,348 | 79% | 7,187 |
| 7 | William & Mary Williamsburg, VA | $72,660 | $49,412 | 33% | 6,949 |
| 8 | Rowan University Glassboro, NJ | $70,580 | $25,564 | 78% | 14,647 |
| 9 | University of North Alabama Florence, AL | $70,485 | $22,190 | 96% | 5,468 |
| 10 | Texas State University San Marcos, TX | $70,396 | $23,210 | 89% | 34,547 |
| 11 | San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA | $69,237 | $19,304 | 96% | 20,033 |
| 12 | Binghamton University Vestal, NY | $69,083 | $29,453 | 38% | 14,401 |
| 13 | University of Delaware Newark, DE | $67,828 | $39,720 | 65% | 18,812 |
| 14 | Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, MA | $67,363 | $17,529 | 89% | 7,899 |
| 15 | University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, MN | $66,981 | $19,762 | 82% | 7,475 |
| 16 | California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA | $66,742 | $18,888 | 47% | 34,131 |
| 17 | University of Houston Houston, TX | $66,725 | $22,191 | 70% | 37,175 |
| 18 | Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX | $66,584 | $40,328 | 63% | 59,099 |
| 19 | University of California-Davis Davis, CA | $66,311 | $46,024 | 42% | 31,777 |
| 20 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO | $65,800 | $33,751 | 90% | 25,148 |
Chemistry is a field of study that develops specialized knowledge and skills applicable across a range of professional settings. Undergraduate programs typically combine foundational coursework with applied projects, laboratory work, or research experiences designed to prepare graduates for entry-level careers or advanced study.
Graduates are well-positioned for careers across multiple industries. Career paths and earning potential vary depending on the specific concentration, graduate degree attainment, and employer. The rankings below are based on actual graduate earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, which tracks median earnings for graduates of each school-major combination.
When evaluating Chemistry programs, consider accreditation status, research and internship opportunities, faculty expertise, and the school's alumni network in your target career field. The earnings data on this page provides an objective, evidence-based signal to help you compare programs by real-world financial outcomes.
Earnings shown are median graduate earnings 4 years after graduation (or 1 year if 4-year data is unavailable), sourced from the College Scorecard.See full major data
Explore All Chemistry Programs
See earnings data for all 205 schools offering Chemistry, including debt figures and graduate counts.
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Compare SchoolsFrequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a Chemistry program?
Look for programs with relevant accreditation, strong research or internship opportunities, experienced faculty with industry connections, and alumni networks in the careers you want to pursue. Hands-on learning experiences and career placement rates are also important indicators of program quality.
What careers can I pursue with a Chemistry degree?
A Chemistry degree prepares graduates for a range of careers depending on the specific concentration and any graduate study pursued. Review the program's placement data and alumni outcomes to understand where graduates from a specific school tend to land after graduation.
How much do Chemistry graduates earn?
Earnings for Chemistry graduates vary by school, specialization, and career path. The rankings on this page reflect verified median graduate earnings from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, giving you a school-level view of real financial outcomes for this major.