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. The schools below stand out for the salaries their chemistry graduates go on to command.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools on the early-career earnings of their chemistry graduates.
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If you want to know which schools send chemistry graduates into the highest-paying careers, see the list below.
Carnegie Mellon University earned the #1 spot for highest-paid chemistry graduates in Pennsylvania. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Chemistry graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of about $92,818 a year early in their careers.
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania produces some of the highest-paid graduates in chemistry, landing the #2 spot this year. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public school located in the town of East Stroudsburg. After graduating, chemistry degree recipients from East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania typically earn about $70,629 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in chemistry will find them at Drexel University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Chemistry graduates of Drexel University earn a median of about $88,515 a year early in their careers.
Strong graduate earnings at Villanova University earned it the #4 place for chemistry. Set in the suburb of Villanova, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Chemistry graduates of Villanova University earn a median of about $77,371 a year early in their careers.
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying chemistry schools. Set in the suburb of Millersville, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students who complete the chemistry program here go on to a median salary of roughly $66,235.
University Of Pittsburgh Bradford landed the #6 spot for chemistry salaries this year. Located in the town of Bradford, University Of Pittsburgh Bradford is a public institution. Early-career chemistry graduates from University Of Pittsburgh Bradford make a median of around $71,533 per year.
University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg earned the #7 position for chemistry graduate earnings this year. University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg is a public school located in the suburb of Greensburg. Students who complete the chemistry program here go on to a median salary of roughly $71,533.
Temple University landed the #8 spot for chemistry salaries this year. Temple University is a public school located in the city of Philadelphia. Students who complete the chemistry program here go on to a median salary of roughly $72,121.
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus placed #9 among the highest-paying schools for chemistry. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. After graduating, chemistry degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus typically earn about $71,533 annually.
Saint Josephs University came in at #10 for chemistry graduate earnings this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the chemistry program here go on to a median salary of roughly $39,914.
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #11 for chemistry graduate earnings this year. Located in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students who complete the chemistry program here go on to a median salary of roughly $36,597.
La Roche College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying chemistry schools. Set in the suburb of Pittsburgh, La Roche College is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, chemistry degree recipients from La Roche College typically earn about $34,906 annually.
This list is compiled 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 · 12 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.