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2024 Best Chemistry Schools

236 Colleges in the United States
20,985 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
$40,989 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you plan on majoring in chemistry, you won't be alone since the degree program is ranked #51 in the country in terms of popularity. This means you won't have too much trouble finding schools that offer the degree.

College Factual looked at 236 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best Chemistry Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 20,985 degrees in chemistry during the 2021-2022 academic year.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Chemistry School

Best Chemistry Schools The chemistry program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Chemistry rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for chemistry schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Chemistry Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Chemistry
Bachelor's Degrees in Chemistry
Master's Degrees in Chemistry
Doctor's Degrees in Chemistry

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Chemistry Schools list to help you make the college decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Chemistry in the United States

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the chemistry degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Chemistry

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
168 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
13.1% Growth in Graduates

Every student pursuing a degree in chemistry has to take a look at University of Chicago. UChicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were approximately 168 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, chemistry degree recipients typically earn an average of $36,403 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of Chicago

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
14th Most Popular In CA
46 Chemistry Degrees Awarded

Stanford University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in chemistry. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #3 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Stanford is a great university overall.

There were about 46 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at Stanford in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in chemistry from Stanford University

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
82 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
24.4% Growth in Graduates

Northwestern University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in chemistry. Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were about 82 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available. Chemistry degree recipients from Northwestern University earn a boost of around $31,091 over the typical earnings of chemistry graduates.

More information about a degree in chemistry from Northwestern University

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
204 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
16.7% Growth in Graduates

University of California - Berkeley is a wonderful option for students interested in a degree in chemistry. Located in the midsize city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UC Berkeley is a great university overall.

There were roughly 204 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent data year. Chemistry degree recipients from University of California - Berkeley receive an earnings boost of around $36,457 over the typical earnings of chemistry majors.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of California - Berkeley

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
170 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
$65,477 Median Starting Salary

UIUC is a very large public university located in the city of Champaign. A Best Colleges rank of #34 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were roughly 170 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available. Chemistry degree recipients from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign receive an earnings boost of about $24,488 above the average income of chemistry graduates.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
147 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
14.3% Growth in Graduates

UCSB is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. This university ranks 10th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 147 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UCSB in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the chemistry degree program at University of California - Santa Barbara make $31,279 above the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of California - Santa Barbara

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
106 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
$37,662 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Cornell is a great university overall.

There were approximately 106 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients typically earn around $37,662 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in chemistry from Cornell University

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
445 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
7.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of La Jolla, UCSD is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 445 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UCSD in the most recent year we have data available. Those chemistry students who get their degree from University of California - San Diego receive $15,364 more than the average chemistry graduate.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of California - San Diego

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MI
122 Chemistry Degrees Awarded

Located in the medium-sized city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were about 122 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
76 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
15.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of College Park, UMCP is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 36 schools for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were roughly 76 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent year we have data available. Those chemistry students who get their degree from University of Maryland - College Park earn $9,187 more than the typical chemistry graduate.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of Maryland - College Park

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
64 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
$49,230 Median Starting Salary

UCONN is a very large public university located in the suburb of Storrs. This university ranks 2nd out of 28 colleges for overall quality in the state of Connecticut.

There were roughly 64 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UCONN in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the chemistry major at University of Connecticut earn $8,241 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of Connecticut

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
142 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
4.2% Growth in Graduates

UCLA is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Los Angeles. A Best Colleges rank of #26 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UCLA is a great university overall.

There were about 142 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent year we have data available. Those chemistry students who get their degree from University of California - Los Angeles receive $5,232 more than the typical chemistry grad.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of California - Los Angeles

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In MD
76 Chemistry Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #23 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.

There were approximately 76 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in chemistry from Johns Hopkins University

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
171 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
9.4% Growth in Graduates

UW - Madison is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Madison. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were approximately 171 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available. Chemistry degree recipients from University of Wisconsin - Madison receive an earnings boost of around $6,895 above the typical earnings of chemistry graduates.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of Wisconsin - Madison

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$78,333 Median Starting Salary

Illinois Tech is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. This school ranks 9th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 29 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at Illinois Tech in the most recent year we have data available. Those chemistry students who get their degree from Illinois Institute of Technology make $37,344 more than the standard chemistry student.

More information about a degree in chemistry from Illinois Institute of Technology

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
108 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
$47,042 Median Starting Salary

UC Davis is a very large public university located in the suburb of Davis. This university ranks 13th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 108 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UC Davis in the most recent data year. Those chemistry students who get their degree from University of California - Davis receive $6,053 more than the standard chemistry graduate.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of California - Davis

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
148 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
$56,261 Median Starting Salary

UT Austin is a very large public university located in the city of Austin. This university ranks 2nd out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 148 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available. Chemistry degree recipients from The University of Texas at Austin receive an earnings boost of approximately $15,272 above the average income of chemistry graduates.

More information about a degree in chemistry from The University of Texas at Austin

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
145 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
$41,794 Median Starting Salary

UMN Twin Cities is a very large public university located in the large city of Minneapolis. This university ranks 1st out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 145 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the chemistry program make around $41,794 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
167 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
$51,133 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Irvine, UC Irvine is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 15th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 167 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UC Irvine in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the chemistry program at University of California - Irvine get $10,144 more than the typical college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of California - Irvine

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
52 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
7.7% Growth in Graduates

UMass Amherst is a very large public university located in the suburb of Amherst. This university ranks 11th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were about 52 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UMass Amherst in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the chemistry program at University of Massachusetts Amherst make $6,839 above the average college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of Massachusetts Amherst

21
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
139 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
23.0% Growth in Graduates

Emory is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Atlanta. A Best Colleges rank of #28 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were approximately 139 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the chemistry program report average early career earnings of $20,784.

More information about a degree in chemistry from Emory University

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
133 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
$55,397 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 133 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the chemistry major at Purdue University - Main Campus earn $14,408 above the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in chemistry from Purdue University - Main Campus

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
61 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
8.2% Growth in Graduates

Iowa State is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Ames. This university ranks 1st out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were approximately 61.00000000000001 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State in the most recent data year. Chemistry degree recipients from Iowa State University get an earnings boost of about $4,461 above the typical earnings of chemistry majors.

More information about a degree in chemistry from Iowa State University

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
136 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
$28,682 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University of Virginia is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #33 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means University of Virginia is a great university overall.

There were roughly 136 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients generally make about $28,682 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of Virginia - Main Campus

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
185 Chemistry Degrees Awarded
$47,474 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Chapel Hill, UNC Chapel Hill is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 93 schools for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 185 chemistry students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. Those chemistry students who get their degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill receive $6,485 more than the standard chemistry grad.

More information about a degree in chemistry from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Rest of the Top Best Chemistry Schools

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30
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33

34
35
Williams crest
Williams College
Williamstown, MA

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Chemistry Schools award.

RankCollegeLocation
36University of Washington - Seattle CampusSeattle, WA
37Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem, NC
38Indiana University - BloomingtonBloomington, IN
39University of FloridaGainesville, FL
40Virginia TechBlacksburg, VA
41Temple UniversityPhiladelphia, PA
42University of Massachusetts - LowellLowell, MA
43University of California - Santa CruzSanta Cruz, CA
44Georgia Institute of Technology - Main CampusAtlanta, GA
45Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge, LA
46University of Colorado BoulderBoulder, CO
47North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh, NC

Chemistry by Region

View the Best Chemistry Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Chemistry is one of 8 different types of Physical Sciences programs to choose from.

Chemistry Focus Areas

MajorAnnual Graduates
General Chemistry19,817
Other Chemistry659
Forensic Chemistry318
Polymer Chemistry58
Chemical Physics46
Analytical Chemistry28
Environmental Chemistry20
Theoretical Chemistry15
Organic Chemistry12
Inorganic Chemistry7

View All Chemistry Focus Areas >

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Physics13,447
Geological & Earth Sciences8,124
General Physical Sciences3,141
Astronomy & Astrophysics1,396
Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology1,183
Materials Sciences642
Other Physical Science500
Physics and Astronomy55

View All Chemistry Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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