2026 Best Value General Chemistry Schools in Indiana
[General Chemistry](/majors/physical-sciences/chemistry/general-chemistry/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 37 schools to find the best return on investment for general chemistry students.
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2026 Best Value General Chemistry Schools in Indiana
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general chemistry, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value General Chemistry Schools
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earned the #1 spot for value among general chemistry schools in Indiana. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,902 to complete the general chemistry program here. Early-career general chemistry graduates make about $42,482. That is a strong return on a $21,902 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Indiana State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general chemistry schools. Set in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. General Chemistry graduates carry a median of $23,081 in student loans. Early-career general chemistry graduates make about $53,952. Set against $23,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.
A rank of #3 makes Purdue University Main Campus one of the best values for general chemistry. Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. General Chemistry graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Early-career general chemistry graduates make about $66,397. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana University Bloomington earned it the #4 place for general chemistry. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Typical student debt for general chemistry graduates is $17,000. General Chemistry graduates of Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of $66,955 early in their careers. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Ball State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general chemistry, landing the #5 spot this year. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the general chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, general chemistry degree recipients from Ball State University generally make around $42,677. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants.
University Of Indianapolis came in at #6 for value in general chemistry this year. University Of Indianapolis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Indianapolis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,200. General Chemistry graduates carry a median of $23,214 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general chemistry degree recipients from University Of Indianapolis generally make around $40,612. That is a strong return on a $23,214 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%.
Valparaiso University placed #7 among the best values for general chemistry. Set in the suburb of Valparaiso, Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,450. General Chemistry graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. General Chemistry graduates of Valparaiso University earn a median of $37,526 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.
University Of Notre Dame came in at #8 for value in general chemistry this year. University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Notre Dame. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. Students borrow a median of $19,891 to complete the general chemistry program here. General Chemistry graduates of University Of Notre Dame earn a median of $84,652 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,891 median debt. University Of Notre Dame admits about 11% of applicants.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 37 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
