by our College Data Analytics Team
[Chemistry](/majors/physical-sciences/chemistry/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 11 schools to find the best return on investment for chemistry students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in chemistry, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in chemistry, no school beat Princeton University this year. Set in the city of Princeton, Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $10,888 in student loans. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $67,532. Set against $10,888 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%.
A rank of #2 makes Montclair State University one of the best values for chemistry. Montclair State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Montclair. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $23,600 in student loans. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $55,389. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes New Jersey Institute Of Technology one of the best values for chemistry. Set in the city of Newark, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,974, compared with $37,664 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,755 to complete the chemistry program here. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $71,549. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%.
A rank of #4 makes William Paterson University Of New Jersey one of the best values for chemistry. William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a large public school located in the suburb of Wayne. In-state tuition and fees average $15,704, with out-of-state students paying around $25,344. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $25,644. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from William Paterson University Of New Jersey generally make around $46,981. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Rutgers University Camden one of the best values for chemistry. Set in the city of Camden, Rutgers University Camden is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,764, compared with $37,276 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the chemistry program here. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $44,949. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University Camden admits about 66% of applicants.
The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey came in at #6 for value in chemistry this year. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a large public school located in the rural area of Galloway. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,266, compared with $24,524 for out-of-state students. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $24,990 in student loans. Chemistry graduates of The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey earn a median of $43,490 early in their careers. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Rowan University came in at #7 for value in chemistry this year. Rowan University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glassboro. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $53,607. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Rutgers University New Brunswick earned the #8 position for value in chemistry this year. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Chemistry graduates of Rutgers University New Brunswick earn a median of $61,948 early in their careers. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
The College Of New Jersey came in at #9 for value in chemistry this year. Set in the suburb of Ewing, The College Of New Jersey is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,632 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the chemistry program here. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $56,617. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%.
Monmouth University landed the #10 spot for chemistry value this year. Located in the suburb of West Long Branch, Monmouth University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $46,552. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from Monmouth University generally make around $43,512. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Seton Hall University ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value chemistry schools. Located in the suburb of South Orange, Seton Hall University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,170. Students borrow a median of $23,422 to complete the chemistry program here. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $63,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Seton Hall University admits about 73% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
