by our College Data Analytics Team
[Chemistry](/majors/physical-sciences/chemistry/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find the best return on investment for chemistry students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in chemistry, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Austin Peay State University, our #1 best value for chemistry in Tennessee. Austin Peay State University is a large public school located in the city of Clarksville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,006, compared with $14,766 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $20,500. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $42,475. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Memphis earned it the #2 place for chemistry. Located in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Chemistry graduates of University Of Memphis earn a median of $36,881 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Vanderbilt University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in chemistry, landing the #3 spot this year. Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $13,975. Chemistry graduates of Vanderbilt University earn a median of $77,997 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%.
The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value chemistry schools. Set in the town of Martin, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,560, compared with $16,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,770 to complete the chemistry program here. Chemistry graduates of The University Of Tennessee Martin earn a median of $40,400 early in their careers. Set against $23,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
A rank of #5 makes Tennessee Technological University one of the best values for chemistry. Set in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,376, compared with $15,576 for out-of-state students. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $20,104 in student loans. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from Tennessee Technological University generally make around $46,981. That is a strong return on a $20,104 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Middle Tennessee State University came in at #6 for value in chemistry this year. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Students borrow a median of $22,754 to complete the chemistry program here. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $43,575. Set against $22,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants.
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #7 for value in chemistry this year. Set in the city of Chattanooga, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,448 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,512. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $24,999 in student loans. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $41,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.
East Tennessee State University came in at #8 for value in chemistry this year. Located in the city of Johnson City, East Tennessee State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,216 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,726 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,301 to complete the chemistry program here. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $45,444. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Tennessee State University admits about 86% of applicants.
The University Of Tennessee ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value chemistry schools. Located in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $19,500. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $41,589. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
Rhodes College came in at #10 for value in chemistry this year. Located in the city of Memphis, Rhodes College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $57,110. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $23,078. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $40,807. Set against $23,078 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 10 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.