2026 Best Value Chemical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Chemical Engineering master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 214 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 evaluated schools to produce 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,274. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $7,250. Median earnings reach $48,992 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Out of the 214 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $13,980 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $13,980 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Youngstown State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Graduates carry a median of $26,545 in student loans. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Youngstown State University
Out of the 214 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #4 spot. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $23,168 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
You'll get strong value at Villanova University, which ranked #5 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,423. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Villanova University
University Of Dayton came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Graduates carry a median of $22,999 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,537 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,999 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. See the full University Of Dayton profile
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $19,844. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
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. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $26,058. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,058 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $27,816 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Set against $27,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Bucknell University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Lewisburg, PA, Bucknell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,812. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $93,807. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bucknell University has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read more about Bucknell University
University Of Houston ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Houston profile
Texas Tech University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. 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. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $28,000. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $18,135 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Set against $18,135 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #14 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $21,947 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,947 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of North Dakota landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $26,950. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $26,950 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Michigan Technological University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,807 for out-of-state students. Michigan Technological University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $24,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Michigan Technological University report
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on San Jose State University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,244 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Cornell University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $14,361. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,361 median debt. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read more about Cornell University
University Of South Alabama placed #20 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Mobile, AL, University Of South Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,116, compared with $19,092 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $24,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,379 ten years after entry. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of South Alabama profile
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Lehigh University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bethlehem, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,980. The median Chemical Engineering program 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. Roughly 26% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lehigh University
South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology is a public school based in Rapid City, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $10,500, while out-of-state students pay about $14,900. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $28,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,257 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on South Dakota School Of Mines And Technology
University Of Arkansas ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Set 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. University Of Arkansas Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $22,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $21,450 in student loans. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Clemson University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Chemical Engineering Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Kansas State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Students borrow a median of $24,750 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Kansas State University
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $23,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
North Carolina A And T State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. North Carolina A And T State University is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. Students from in state pay about $6,813 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,673. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,440 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina A And T State University admits about 50% of applicants. More on North Carolina A And T State University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $25,875 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,875 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $102,772 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 14%. More on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $17,733 in debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 17%. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Tennessee Technological University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,376, with out-of-state students paying around $15,576. Students borrow a median of $13,500 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tennessee Technological University has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Tennessee Technological University profile
Arizona State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University report
Manhattan College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Manhattan College is a private not-for-profit school based in Riverdale, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,400. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $26,503. Median earnings reach $86,316 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Manhattan College admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Manhattan College
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #35 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,251 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Chemical Engineering student debt is $19,875. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Set against $19,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
New Mexico State University Main Campus came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,067. 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
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,205 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
Iowa State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Iowa State University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $20,188 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on Iowa State University
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $20,050 in debt. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Auburn University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Students borrow a median of $23,104 to complete their Chemical Engineering program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. 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
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,350 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $25,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Northeastern University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Mississippi State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $23,298. Mississippi State University alumni report median earnings of $51,513 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Mississippi State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $22,850. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Kansas placed #45 among the best-value Chemical Engineering schools in the United States. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full University Of Kansas report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. The median Chemical Engineering program debt is $25,495. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $25,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Rice University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Rice University Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $13,178 in debt. Median earnings reach $89,718 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,178 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%. More on Rice University
University Of Wyoming landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. 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. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Chemical Engineering schools. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Chemical Engineering students take on a median of $24,500 in debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Related Chemical Engineering Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Chemical Engineering Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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