by our College Data Analytics Team
[Chemistry](/majors/physical-sciences/chemistry/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value chemistry schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in chemistry, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is University Of Minnesota Twin Cities, our #1 best value for chemistry in Minnesota. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $21,158. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $47,451. That is a strong return on a $21,158 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Students looking for strong value in chemistry will find it at University Of Minnesota Duluth, which ranked #2. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Duluth. In-state tuition and fees average $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Duluth generally make around $44,674. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Gustavus Adolphus College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in chemistry, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Saint Peter, Gustavus Adolphus College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $56,076. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $26,901. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $44,396. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
St Olaf College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in chemistry, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Northfield, St Olaf College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,760. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $24,988 in student loans. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from St Olaf College generally make around $44,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Olaf College admits about 48% of applicants.
Carleton College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in chemistry, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Northfield, Carleton College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,892. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $17,000. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $45,096. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carleton College admits about 20% of applicants.
The College Of Saint Scholastica came in at #6 for value in chemistry this year. Set in the city of Duluth, The College Of Saint Scholastica is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,778. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $26,755. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from The College Of Saint Scholastica generally make around $60,431. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The College Of Saint Scholastica admits about 93% of applicants.
University Of St Thomas Minnesota came in at #7 for value in chemistry this year. Set in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $54,398 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $23,923. Chemistry graduates of University Of St Thomas Minnesota earn a median of $65,183 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.
Macalester College placed #8 among the best values for chemistry. Located in the city of Saint Paul, Macalester College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,104. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $22,147 in student loans. Chemistry graduates of Macalester College earn a median of $42,517 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 28% 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.