2023 Best Value Colleges for General Chemistry (Income $48-$75k) in California
23
Ranked Colleges
3,013
Degrees Awarded
It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking is part of that endeavor.
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.
This year’s “Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking analyzed 23 colleges that offered 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.
To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the general chemistry program at the school. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.
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 $48-$75k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.
In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.
Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k
The colleges and universities below are the best for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
Top 23 Best Value Colleges for General Chemistry (Income $48-$75k) in California
Out of the 23 schools in the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, Stanford University landed the #1 spot on the list. Stanford, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s chemistry degrees to 58 students in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k list, Stanford has also earned the #1 rank in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Stanford University is $7,081 for California Chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 4 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 0.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Full Stanford University General Chemistry Report
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - Berkeley. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. University of California - Berkeley is a large public school situated in Berkeley, California. It awarded 170 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
UC Berkeley not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #2 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. It costs about $13,423 for California Chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend UC Berkeley.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.8% 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 96%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.
Read full report on General Chemistry at University of California - Berkeley
Out of the 23 schools in the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, California Institute of Technology landed the #3 spot on the list. California Institute of Technology 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.
Caltech not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #8 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend Caltech is $9,755 for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 3 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.
Read more about General Chemistry at California Institute of Technology
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 $48-$75k list. University of California - Los Angeles is a large public school situated in Los Angeles, California. It awarded 135 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
UCLA also took the #5 spot in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UCLA is $12,644 for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
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%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 96%.
Full University of California - Los Angeles General Chemistry Report
Out of the 23 schools in the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - San Diego landed the #5 spot on the list. University of California - San Diego is a large school located in La Jolla, California that handed out 172 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k list, UCSD has also earned the #4 rank in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - San Diego is $14,310 for California Chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Read full report on General Chemistry at University of California - San Diego
University of California - Davis did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #6. University of California - Davis is a public institution located in Davis, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 93 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k list, UC Davis has also earned the #7 rank in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $14,193 for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend UC Davis.
Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 93%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read more about General Chemistry at University of California - Davis
University of California - Irvine landed the #7 spot on the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Irvine, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s chemistry degrees to 170 students in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at UC Irvine, the school also landed the #6 spot in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UC Irvine is $13,275 for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.4% 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 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Read more about General Chemistry at University of California - Irvine
University of California - Santa Barbara came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Santa Barbara, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s chemistry degrees to 116 students in 2020-2021.
UCSB not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #3 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - Santa Barbara is $14,583 for California Chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. 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 UCSB
California State University - Los Angeles ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s chemistry degrees to 29 students in 2020-2021.
Cal State LA also made our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list, coming in at #21. The estimated yearly cost for Cal State LA is $5,700 for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
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 ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. University of California - Riverside is a public institution located in Riverside, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 98 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at UCR, the school also landed the #11 spot in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $11,126 for California Chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend University of California - Riverside.
The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. 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 full report on General Chemistry at University of California - Riverside
California State University - Long Beach came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. CSULB 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 $11,189 for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
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%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%.
Read full report on General Chemistry at California State University - Long Beach
California State University - Fullerton did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #12. California State University - Fullerton is a public institution located in Fullerton, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 32 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Cal State Fullerton also made our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list, coming in at #18. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Fullerton is $9,017 for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
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%. With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Full California State University - Fullerton General Chemistry Report
San Diego State University ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. San Diego State University is a public institution located in San Diego, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 105 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
SDSU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #9 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. It costs about $14,698 for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend San Diego State University.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.2% 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 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Read more about General Chemistry at San Diego State University
University of California - Santa Cruz came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. University of California - Santa Cruz is a fairly large public school situated in Santa Cruz, California. It awarded 93 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
UC Santa Cruz also took the #10 spot in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - Santa Cruz is $15,567 for California Chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Read more about General Chemistry at UC Santa Cruz
California State University - Sacramento ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. California State University - Sacramento is a large public school situated in Sacramento, California. It awarded 37 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k list, Sac State has also earned the #17 rank in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Sac State is $12,602 for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
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
California State University - San Bernardino landed the #16 spot on the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. This fairly large school is located in San Bernardino, California, and it awarded 45 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at CSUSB, the school also landed the #22 spot in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $9,854 for California Chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend CSUSB.
The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.
Read full report on General Chemistry at CSUSB
California State Polytechnic University - Pomona ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. California State Polytechnic University - Pomona is a public institution located in Pomona, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 78 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Cal Poly Pomona not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #14 on our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for California State Polytechnic University - Pomona is $15,958 for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 87%. 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%.
Read full report on General Chemistry at Cal Poly Pomona
California State University - Northridge landed the #18 spot on the 2023 Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. California State University - Northridge is located in Northridge, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 40 ’s chemistry degrees to qualified students.
As a testament to the quality of education offered at CSUN, the school also landed the #20 spot in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $10,780 for California Chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k per year to attend CSUN.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.7% 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%.
Full CSUN General Chemistry Report
University of California - Merced came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. University of California - Merced is a medium-sized school located in Merced, California that handed out 41 ’s chemistry 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. The estimated yearly cost for University of California - Merced is $14,261 for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.8% 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 86%.
Read full report on General Chemistry at University of California - Merced
California State University - Channel Islands came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. This medium-sized school is located in Camarillo, California, and it awarded 31 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k list, CSUCI has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for CSUCI is $16,151 for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
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%.
Full California State University - Channel Islands General Chemistry Report
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo ranked #21 on this year’s Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a public institution located in San Luis Obispo, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 36 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.
In addition to being on our california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k list, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has also earned the #12 rank in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is $17,340 for California Chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
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 0.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.
Full California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo General Chemistry Report
Humboldt State University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Humboldt State University is a medium-sized school located in Arcata, California that handed out 20 ’s chemistry degrees in 2020-2021.
Humboldt State University also made our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” list, coming in at #23. The estimated yearly cost for Humboldt State University is $16,716 for California Chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
Read more about General Chemistry at Humboldt State University
University of Redlands ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Chemistry Schools in California For Those Making $48-$75k list. 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 took the #19 spot in our “Best General Chemistry Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of Redlands is $21,947 for california chemistry students whose families make $48-$75k.
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%.
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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