2026 Best Value Chemistry Schools in Washington
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in chemistry, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Chemistry Schools
Our analysis ranked Eastern Washington University the best value for a degree in chemistry in Washington. Located in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,754 to complete the chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from Eastern Washington University generally make around $47,144. Set against $21,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in chemistry, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $15,389. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $46,369. That is a strong return on a $15,389 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Washington State University one of the best values for chemistry. Washington State University is a very large public school located in the town of Pullman. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $21,903. Chemistry graduates of Washington State University earn a median of $54,697 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Western Washington University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value chemistry schools. Western Washington University is a large public school located in the city of Bellingham. Students from in state pay about $9,582 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,104 to complete the chemistry program here. Chemistry graduates of Western Washington University earn a median of $48,527 early in their careers. Set against $22,104 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
Central Washington University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in chemistry, landing the #5 spot this year. Central Washington University is a very large public school located in the town of Ellensburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,417, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $24,607. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from Central Washington University generally make around $44,178. Set against $24,607 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Pacific Lutheran University earned the #6 position for value in chemistry this year. Pacific Lutheran University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Tacoma. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,916. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $23,000. Chemistry graduates of Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of $44,555 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Pacific Lutheran University admits about 78% of applicants.
Whitworth University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value chemistry schools. Set in the suburb of Spokane, Whitworth University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,880. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the chemistry program here. Chemistry graduates of Whitworth University earn a median of $33,203 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 16 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 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.
[Chemistry](/majors/physical-sciences/chemistry/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
