by our College Data Analytics Team
[Chemistry](/majors/physical-sciences/chemistry/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 schools on the early-career earnings of their chemistry graduates.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose chemistry graduates go on to earn the most.
William Paterson University Of New Jersey earned the #1 spot for highest-paid chemistry graduates in New Jersey. Set in the suburb of Wayne, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a public institution. Chemistry graduates of William Paterson University Of New Jersey earn a median of about $84,306 a year early in their careers.
A rank of #2 makes The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey one of the highest-paying schools for chemistry. Set in the rural area of Galloway, The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Students who complete the chemistry program here go on to a median salary of roughly $66,593.
Students chasing top earnings in chemistry will find them at Rowan University, which ranked #3. Rowan University is a public school located in the suburb of Glassboro. Chemistry graduates of Rowan University earn a median of about $75,861 a year early in their careers.
A rank of #4 makes Rutgers University Camden one of the highest-paying schools for chemistry. Located in the city of Camden, Rutgers University Camden is a public institution. Chemistry graduates of Rutgers University Camden earn a median of about $76,056 a year early in their careers.
Rutgers University Newark came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying chemistry schools. Rutgers University Newark is a public school located in the city of Newark. After graduating, chemistry degree recipients from Rutgers University Newark typically earn about $76,056 annually.
Montclair State University came in at #6 for chemistry graduate earnings this year. Set in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a public institution. Chemistry graduates of Montclair State University earn a median of about $55,389 a year early in their careers.
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #7 spot for chemistry salaries this year. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public school located in the city of New Brunswick. Students who complete the chemistry program here go on to a median salary of roughly $76,056.
Kean University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying chemistry schools. Located in the suburb of Union, Kean University is a public institution. Early-career chemistry graduates from Kean University make a median of around $54,435 per year.
Monmouth University placed #9 among the highest-paying schools for chemistry. Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of West Long Branch. Students who complete the chemistry program here go on to a median salary of roughly $66,546.
This ranking is produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their chemistry graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 9 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
