2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k
23
Ranked Colleges
3,013
Degrees Awarded
$10,000
Avg Net Price*
When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our “Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.
General Chemistry is the 43rd most popular major in the country with 20,056 degrees awarded in 2020-2021.
Across California, there were 3,013 general chemistry graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively.
For this year’s “Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking, we looked at 23 colleges that offer a degree in general chemistry. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great general chemistry programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.
Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the general chemistry program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.
You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.
Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k
The colleges and universities below are the best for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k.
Top 23 Best Value Colleges for General Chemistry (Income $30-$48k) in California
Out of the 23 schools in the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Stanford University landed the #1 spot on the list. Located in Stanford, California, this fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 58 degrees to qualified ’s chemistry students in 2020-2021.
Stanford not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #1 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. It costs about $1,581 for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Stanford University.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 4 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.
Full Stanford General Chemistry Report
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California Institute of Technology. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k. Caltech is a private not-for-profit institution located in Pasadena, California. The school has a small population, and it awarded 32 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k list, Caltech has also earned the #8 rank in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California Institute of Technology is $12,190 for California Chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k.
The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 3 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%.
Read full report on General Chemistry at California Institute of Technology
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of California - Berkeley. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k. University of California - Berkeley is a public institution located in Berkeley, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 170 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
UC Berkeley did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. It costs about $9,999 for California Chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of California - Berkeley.
With a freshman retention rate of 96%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on General Chemistry at UC Berkeley
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - Los Angeles. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Los Angeles, California, this large public school handed out 135 diplomas to qualified ’s chemistry students in 2020-2021.
UCLA also made our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list, coming in at #5. The yearly cost to attend University of California - Los Angeles is $9,891 for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k.
With a freshman retention rate of 96%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Read more about General Chemistry at University of California - Los Angeles
Out of the 23 schools in the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - San Diego landed the #5 spot on the list. This large school is located in La Jolla, California, and it awarded 172 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
UCSD not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend UCSD is $11,176 for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k.
With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read more about General Chemistry at UCSD
University of California - Irvine came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Irvine, California, this large public school awarded 170 diplomas to qualified ’s chemistry students in 2020-2021.
UC Irvine did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #6 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for UC Irvine is $8,449 for California Chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Read more about General Chemistry at University of California - Irvine
University of California - Davis came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of California - Davis is located in Davis, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 93 ’s chemistry degrees to qualified students.
UC Davis not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #7 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. It costs about $11,598 for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend UC Davis.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 93%.
Read more about General Chemistry at University of California - Davis
With a ranking of #8, University of California - Santa Barbara did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. UCSB is located in Santa Barbara, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 116 ’s chemistry degrees to qualified students.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at UCSB, the school also landed the #3 spot in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $11,606 for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend UCSB.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Read more about General Chemistry at UCSB
California State University - Los Angeles did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #9. California State University - Los Angeles is a large school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 29 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
Cal State LA not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #21 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Los Angeles is $2,701 for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Full California State University - Los Angeles General Chemistry Report
University of California - Riverside landed the #10 spot on the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of California - Riverside is located in Riverside, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 98 ’s chemistry degrees to qualified students.
UCR not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - Riverside is $8,193 for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k.
With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read more about General Chemistry at University of California - Riverside
California State University - Fullerton landed the #11 spot on the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Cal State Fullerton is located in Fullerton, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 32 ’s chemistry degrees to qualified students.
In addition to being on our california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k list, Cal State Fullerton has also earned the #18 rank in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $5,821 for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Cal State Fullerton.
With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Full Cal State Fullerton General Chemistry Report
California State University - Long Beach landed the #12 spot on the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. California State University - Long Beach is a large school located in Long Beach, California that handed out 54 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
CSULB did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #15 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Long Beach is $7,573 for California Chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Full CSULB General Chemistry Report
San Diego State University ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. SDSU is a large school located in San Diego, California that handed out 105 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k list, SDSU has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend San Diego State University is $9,274 for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 89%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Full San Diego State University General Chemistry Report
With a ranking of #14, California State University - Sacramento did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Sacramento, California, and it awarded 37 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
Sac State also took the #17 spot in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Sacramento is $9,055 for California Chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read more about General Chemistry at Sac State
University of California - Santa Cruz ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Santa Cruz, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s chemistry degrees to 93 students in 2020-2021.
UC Santa Cruz also made our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list, coming in at #10. The estimated yearly cost for UC Santa Cruz is $12,049 for California Chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k.
With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on General Chemistry at University of California - Santa Cruz
California State Polytechnic University - Pomona came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. California State Polytechnic University - Pomona is located in Pomona, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 78 ’s chemistry degrees to qualified students.
In addition to being on our california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k list, Cal Poly Pomona has also earned the #14 rank in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Cal Poly Pomona is $12,992 for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Read full report on General Chemistry at California State Polytechnic University - Pomona
California State University - San Bernardino did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #17. California State University - San Bernardino is a public institution located in San Bernardino, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 45 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
CSUSB did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #22 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend CSUSB is $6,613 for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k.
With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Full CSUSB General Chemistry Report
With a ranking of #18, California State University - Northridge did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. CSUN is a public institution located in Northridge, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 40 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
CSUN did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #20 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. It costs about $7,103 for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend CSUN.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read full report on General Chemistry at CSUN
University of California - Merced did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #19. University of California - Merced is a public institution located in Merced, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 41 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
UC Merced did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #13 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. It costs about $11,400 for california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend UC Merced.
The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%.
Full University of California - Merced General Chemistry Report
California State University - Channel Islands did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #20. California State University - Channel Islands is a public institution located in Camarillo, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 31 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
CSUCI not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #16 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. It costs about $13,125 for California Chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend CSUCI.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Read more about General Chemistry at California State University - Channel Islands
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in San Luis Obispo, California, and it awarded 36 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. It costs about $13,194 for California Chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.
Read more about General Chemistry at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Humboldt State University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Humboldt State University is a public institution located in Arcata, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 20 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k list, Humboldt State University has also earned the #23 rank in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $12,298 for California Chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Humboldt State University.
Full Humboldt State University General Chemistry Report
University of Redlands did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #23. University of Redlands is located in Redlands, California and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 12 ’s chemistry degrees to qualified students.
University of Redlands also made our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list, coming in at #19. It costs about $22,360 for California Chemistry students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of Redlands.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.
Full University of Redlands General Chemistry Report
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Notes and References
References
- 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).
- Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.
Read more about our data sources and methodologies
- *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
- Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.
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