Best colleges for Chemistry
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Chemistry by graduate earnings are Northeastern University ($62,511), University of California-Berkeley ($59,576) and Montclair State University ($55,389), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Northeastern University (Boston, MA): $62,511, 62 graduates a year
- University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA): $59,576, 234 graduates a year
- Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ): $55,389, 23 graduates a year
- University of Delaware (Newark, DE): $54,055, 53 graduates a year
- Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ): $53,607, 22 graduates a year
Compare 1,187 U.S. colleges offering Chemistry by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 54 states.
Chemistry programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $42,475 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 40.05 and the Chemists occupation (BLS SOC).
About Chemistry programs
The Chemistry program focuses on the scientific study of matter, including its composition, structure, properties, and behavior. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding the fundamental aspects of chemical reactions and the nature of chemical bonds in compounds. It prepares graduates for various roles in research, industry, and environmental science. Students in this program will explore different specializations such as Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Environmental Chemistry. The curriculum is designed for those who are curious about the physical sciences and wish to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, making it suitable for aspiring scientists and professionals in related fields.
Core coursework in the Chemistry program includes subjects that enhance skills in science, mathematics, and critical thinking. Students will gain knowledge in analytical methods, chemical properties, and the use of various techniques such as chromatography and spectroscopy. Emphasis is also placed on effective communication and technical writing.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeastern University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $62,511 | 62 | 91% | $18,925 | $24,500 |
| 2 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $59,576 | 234 | 93% | — | $11,172 |
| 3 | Montclair State University Montclair, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $55,389 | 23 | 65% | — | $23,600 |
| 4 | University of Delaware Newark, DE Public · Bachelor's degree | $54,055 | 53 | 81% | — | $24,893 |
| 5 | Rowan University Glassboro, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $53,607 | 22 | 67% | — | $27,000 |
| 6 | Towson University Towson, MD Public · Bachelor's degree | $52,765 | 36 | 69% | — | $23,000 |
| 7 | University of Connecticut Storrs, CT Public · Bachelor's degree | $52,216 | 63 | 83% | — | $26,158 |
| 8 | University of California-Merced Merced, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,944 | 41 | 69% | — | $15,000 |
| 9 | University of Houston Houston, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,717 | 39 | 65% | — | $12,000 |
| 10 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,659 | 33 | 64% | — | $23,250 |
| 11 | California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,553 | 31 | 69% | — | $15,680 |
| 12 | George Mason University Fairfax, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,304 | 24 | 68% | — | $24,250 |
| 13 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,462 | 156 | 84% | — | $19,500 |
| 14 | Drexel University Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $49,215 | 31 | 78% | $36,004 | $29,667 |
| 15 | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,886 | 191 | 90% | — | $26,043 |
| 16 | The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,783 | 50 | 76% | — | $20,747 |
| 17 | Western Washington University Bellingham, WA Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,527 | 31 | 65% | — | $22,104 |
| 18 | University at Albany Albany, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,276 | 34 | 61% | — | $25,856 |
| 19 | Cleveland State University Cleveland, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,147 | 37 | 51% | — | $24,744 |
| 20 | East Carolina University Greenville, NC Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,875 | 40 | 63% | — | $24,250 |
| 21 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,451 | 139 | 85% | — | $21,158 |
| 22 | University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,387 | 57 | 75% | — | $23,750 |
| 23 | College of the Holy Cross Worcester, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,313 | 46 | 87% | $24,533 | $27,000 |
| 24 | Purdue University West Lafayette, IN Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,213 | 178 | 83% | — | $19,500 |
| 25 | University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,197 | 92 | 83% | — | $15,805 |
Specializations within Chemistry
11 of the 12 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 40.05 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- ChemistryCIP 40.050118,075 graduates / yr1,168 institutions54 states
- ChemistryCIP 40.0599551 graduates / yr58 institutions28 states
- Forensic ChemistryCIP 40.0510353 graduates / yr30 institutions20 states
- Polymer ChemistryCIP 40.0507partial data72 graduates / yr7 institutions7 states
- Chemical PhysicsCIP 40.050842 graduates / yr13 institutions11 states
- Analytical ChemistryCIP 40.0502partial data38 graduates / yr8 institutions6 states
- Environmental ChemistryCIP 40.050919 graduates / yr10 institutions7 states
- Organic ChemistryCIP 40.0504limited data9 graduates / yr2 institutions2 states
- Physical ChemistryCIP 40.0506partial data9 graduates / yr4 institutions4 states
- Theoretical ChemistryCIP 40.0511partial data9 graduates / yr3 institutions3 states
- Inorganic ChemistryCIP 40.0503limited data4 graduates / yr1 institutions1 states
Show all 12 codes (1 with no U.S. programs reported)+
- Cheminformatics/
Chemistry Informatics40.0512
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Offered across 54 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2031, Chemists, and its national outlook.
Graduates with a degree in Chemistry can expect a career outlook that is about as fast as average, with an estimated growth rate of 4.9% and approximately 6,300 annual job openings. The median wage for chemistry professionals is around $84,150, and a typical entry-level position requires a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Chemistry
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 40.05.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 40.05 (Chemistry) maps to 14 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists |
| 15-1299 | Computer Occupations, All Other |
| 15-2051 | Data Scientists |
| 19-2031 | Chemistsprimary |
| 19-2041 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health |
| 19-4013 | Food Science Technicians |
| 19-4031 | Chemical Technicians |
| 19-4042 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health |
| 19-4092 | Forensic Science Technicians |
| 25-1052 | Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1053 | Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1054 | Physics Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Chemistry programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
- Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
- Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
- Conduct quality control tests.
- Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
- Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
Common questions
What can I do with a degree in Chemistry?+
Graduates can pursue careers in research, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and quality control.
What specializations are available in Chemistry?+
Specializations include Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and more.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You'll develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for Chemistry graduates?+
The job outlook is about 4.9% growth with a median wage of $84,150.
How much do Chemistry graduates earn?+
Chemistry graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $42,475, College Scorecard (2019); the Chemists occupation pays about $100,450 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Chemistry?+
Chemistry maps to CIP 40.05 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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