2026 Best Value Forensic Chemistry Schools in the Southwest Region
[Forensic Chemistry](/majors/physical-sciences/chemistry/forensic-chemistry/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 10 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value forensic chemistry schools.
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2026 Best Value Forensic Chemistry Schools in the Southwest Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in forensic chemistry, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Forensic Chemistry Schools
Lamar University earned the #1 spot for value among forensic chemistry schools in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Beaumont, Lamar University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,905, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. Forensic Chemistry graduates carry a median of $26,988 in student loans. Forensic Chemistry graduates of Lamar University earn a median of $52,678 early in their careers. Set against $26,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lamar University admits about 86% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University earned it the #2 place for forensic chemistry. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical student debt for forensic chemistry graduates is $21,885. Soon after graduation, forensic chemistry degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $38,766. That is a strong return on a $21,885 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in forensic chemistry will find it at Sam Houston State University, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Huntsville, Sam Houston State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for forensic chemistry graduates is $28,775. Soon after graduation, forensic chemistry degree recipients from Sam Houston State University generally make around $43,940. Set against $28,775 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
