by our College Data Analytics Team
[Chemistry](/majors/physical-sciences/chemistry/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong chemistry education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value chemistry schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the chemistry degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Marshall University the best value for a degree in chemistry in West Virginia. Set in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,162, while out-of-state students pay about $20,342. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $11,953. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $32,143. Set against $11,953 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
A rank of #2 makes Shepherd University one of the best values for chemistry. Shepherd University is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Shepherdstown. In-state tuition and fees average $9,056, while out-of-state students pay about $19,082. Students borrow a median of $23,326 to complete the chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from Shepherd University generally make around $40,748. Set against $23,326 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
West Virginia University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in chemistry, landing the #3 spot this year. West Virginia University is a very large public school located in the city of Morgantown. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $24,356 in student loans. Chemistry graduates of West Virginia University earn a median of $36,891 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,356 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.