2026 Best Value Chemical Engineering Schools
Looking for the best-value Chemical Engineering programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 214 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Chemical Engineering Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Chemical Engineering programs schools in the United States. Located in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $7,250 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. Set against $7,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $13,980 in student loans. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,980 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 214 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Youngstown State University landed the #3 spot. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $26,545. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Set against $26,545 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full Youngstown State University report
A rank of #4 makes University Of Akron Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $23,168 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Set against $23,168 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #5 on this year's best-value Chemical Engineering ranking in the United States. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $19,844 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Set against $19,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Villanova University placed #6 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Get the full Villanova University report
University Of Dayton ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,999 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. University Of Dayton alumni report median earnings of $75,537 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,999 median debt. University Of Dayton has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read more about University Of Dayton
University Of Delaware ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. University Of Delaware Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $26,058 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Delaware
Lamar University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,905, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. Lamar University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $20,019 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,652. That is a strong return on a $20,019 median debt. Lamar University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Lamar University report
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $28,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Tech University
University Of Houston came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Houston
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $18,135. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Set against $18,135 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #13 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $21,947 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Bucknell University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lewisburg, PA, Bucknell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,812. Bucknell University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $93,807 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%. Read more about Bucknell University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $27,816 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Michigan Technological University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Houghton, MI. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $24,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan Technological University has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Michigan Technological University
Cornell University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $14,361. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of North Dakota ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $26,950. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Clemson University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Clemson University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $21,450 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,450 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Clemson University
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 14%. See the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus profile
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
San Jose State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $22,244. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of South Alabama landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mobile, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,116, with out-of-state students paying around $19,092. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $24,500. Median earnings reach $49,379 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of South Alabama report
Lehigh University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Based in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,980. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $105,584 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 26%. Get the full Lehigh University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Chemical Engineering Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology placed #26 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Rapid City, SD, South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,500, compared with $14,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,257 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
Kansas State University placed #27 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $24,750. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Kansas State University profile
University Of Arkansas landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $22,750. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of Arkansas
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $25,875 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Iowa State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $20,188. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,188 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Iowa State University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #31 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,350 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $25,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $22,850 in student loans. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $17,733. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
North Carolina A And T State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Greensboro, NC. Students from in state pay about $6,813 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,673. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,440. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina A And T State University has an acceptance rate of 50%. Get the full North Carolina A And T State University report
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,251. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Auburn University placed #37 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $23,104. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. Read the full report on Auburn University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $25,495. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Tennessee Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Students borrow a median of $13,500 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Tennessee Technological University alumni report median earnings of $48,501 a decade after entry. Set against $13,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Tennessee Technological University
Manhattan College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Based in Riverdale, NY, Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,400. Graduates carry a median of $26,503 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,316. That is a strong return on a $26,503 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. More on Manhattan College
University Of Florida landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $20,050 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Set against $20,050 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Arizona State University placed #41 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Arizona State University profile
University Of Wyoming landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $20,283. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,825 in student loans. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Set against $27,825 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $18,205 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Set against $18,205 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,875 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,875 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
New Mexico State University Main Campus placed #47 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. New Mexico State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $39,067 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full New Mexico State University Main Campus profile
Mississippi State University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Graduates carry a median of $23,298 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,298 median debt. Mississippi State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Mississippi State University profile
Northeastern University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $66,162. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full Northeastern University report
University Of Kansas landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Best Value Chemical Engineering Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 214 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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