2026 Best Value Chemistry Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago tops our 2026 list of the best value chemistry schools in Illinois. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Students borrow a median of $20,474 to complete the chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $61,829. Set against $20,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

2

Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value chemistry schools. Set in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the chemistry program here. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $31,980. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.

3

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Students looking for strong value in chemistry will find it at Northern Illinois University, which ranked #3. Northern Illinois University is a large public school located in the suburb of Dekalb. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $23,023 to complete the chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from Northern Illinois University generally make around $43,061. Set against $23,023 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.

4

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned it the #4 place for chemistry. Set in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $25,000. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $46,659. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%.

5

Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL

A rank of #5 makes Eastern Illinois University one of the best values for chemistry. Eastern Illinois University is a large public school located in the town of Charleston. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $24,293. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $43,603. Set against $24,293 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%.

6

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value chemistry schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the chemistry program here. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $74,138. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago placed #7 among the best values for chemistry. University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $15,854. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $81,002. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants.

8

Lewis University
Romeoville, IL

Lewis University came in at #8 for value in chemistry this year. Located in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $39,200. Students borrow a median of $22,781 to complete the chemistry program here. Chemistry graduates of Lewis University earn a median of $55,718 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.

9

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Illinois State University came in at #9 for value in chemistry this year. Set in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $24,875. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from Illinois State University generally make around $49,660. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants.

10

Illinois Institute Of Technology
Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute Of Technology placed #10 among the best values for chemistry. Located in the city of Chicago, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,202. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $26,774. Chemistry graduates of Illinois Institute Of Technology earn a median of $71,315 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

11

Bradley University
Peoria, IL

Bradley University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value chemistry schools. Set in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,160. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $26,380. Chemistry graduates of Bradley University earn a median of $54,513 early in their careers. Set against $26,380 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

12

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University landed the #12 spot for chemistry value this year. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $16,616. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $90,302. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.

13

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago earned the #13 position for value in chemistry this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $58,568. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.