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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Chemistry Schools in the Southeast Region

68 Colleges in the United States
$22,913 Avg Student Debt
$57,103 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Chemistry Badge [Chemistry](/majors/physical-sciences/chemistry/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 304 schools to find the best return on investment for chemistry students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Chemistry Schools in the Southeast Region

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the chemistry degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Chemistry Schools

1
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

Leading the list is University Of Florida, our #1 best value for chemistry in the Southeast Region. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $14,824 to complete the chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $54,389. That is a strong return on a $14,824 median debt. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.

2

A rank of #2 makes The University Of West Florida one of the best values for chemistry. Set in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,776, with out-of-state students paying around $18,658. Students borrow a median of $19,677 to complete the chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from The University Of West Florida generally make around $47,141. Set against $19,677 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of West Florida admits about 58% of applicants.

3

Murray State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in chemistry, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,900 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the chemistry program here. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $48,334. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

4

A rank of #4 makes University Of Central Florida one of the best values for chemistry. University Of Central Florida is a very large public school located in the suburb of Orlando. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $19,706. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from University Of Central Florida generally make around $43,634. Set against $19,706 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted.

5
Northern Kentucky University crest
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in chemistry, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $25,572. Chemistry graduates of Northern Kentucky University earn a median of $52,565 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

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6

Florida International University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value chemistry schools. Set in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $15,750. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $28,660. That is a strong return on a $15,750 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #7 for value in chemistry this year. Located in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,013 to complete the chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $29,399. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted.

8
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University landed the #8 spot for chemistry value this year. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the chemistry program here. Chemistry graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $63,832 early in their careers. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.

9

Dalton State College earned the #9 position for value in chemistry this year. Set in the city of Dalton, Dalton State College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,336, with out-of-state students paying around $10,656. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $14,955 in student loans. Chemistry graduates of Dalton State College earn a median of $41,654 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,955 median debt.

10
Marshall University crest
Marshall University
Huntington, WV

Marshall University came in at #10 for value in chemistry this year. Set in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,162, while out-of-state students pay about $20,342. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $11,953. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $32,143. That is a strong return on a $11,953 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

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11

University Of North Georgia ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value chemistry schools. Set in the town of Dahlonega, University Of North Georgia is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,444 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $18,318 in student loans. Chemistry graduates of University Of North Georgia earn a median of $43,714 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Georgia admits about 68% of applicants.

12

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #12 among the best values for chemistry. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Atlanta. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $24,323. Chemistry graduates of Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earn a median of $83,560 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants.

13

Florida Atlantic University came in at #13 for value in chemistry this year. Located in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $35,015. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.

14

Eastern Kentucky University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value chemistry schools. Set in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $23,584 in student loans. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $34,512. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

15

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #15 for value in chemistry this year. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,250 to complete the chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $51,671. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 15%.

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16

University Of North Florida placed #16 among the best values for chemistry. Located in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,964, with out-of-state students paying around $19,407. Students borrow a median of $20,162 to complete the chemistry program here. Chemistry graduates of University Of North Florida earn a median of $31,663 early in their careers. Set against $20,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Florida admits about 53% of applicants.

17

North Carolina A And T State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value chemistry schools. Set in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina A And T State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,813 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,673. Students borrow a median of $29,078 to complete the chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from North Carolina A And T State University generally make around $50,715. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%.

18

Tennessee State University came in at #18 for value in chemistry this year. Set in the city of Nashville, Tennessee State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, compared with $22,416 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,489 to complete the chemistry program here. Chemistry graduates of Tennessee State University earn a median of $45,060 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tennessee State University admits about 70% of applicants.

19

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #19 among the best values for chemistry. Set in the town of Pembroke, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $25,766. Chemistry graduates of University Of North Carolina At Pembroke earn a median of $35,579 early in their careers. Set against $25,766 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

20

Valdosta State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value chemistry schools. Set in the city of Valdosta, Valdosta State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Students borrow a median of $28,661 to complete the chemistry program here. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $44,914. Set against $28,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants.

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21

University Of Arkansas Fort Smith placed #21 among the best values for chemistry. Located in the city of Fort Smith, University Of Arkansas Fort Smith is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,334, compared with $12,182 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $20,333. Chemistry graduates of University Of Arkansas Fort Smith earn a median of $22,255 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas Fort Smith admits about 80% of applicants.

22
Georgia Gwinnett College crest
Georgia Gwinnett College
Lawrenceville, GA

Georgia Gwinnett College earned the #22 position for value in chemistry this year. Georgia Gwinnett College is a large public school located in the suburb of Lawrenceville. In-state tuition and fees average $4,532, with out-of-state students paying around $13,844. Students borrow a median of $21,280 to complete the chemistry program here. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $55,992. That is a strong return on a $21,280 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

23
Mcneese State University crest
Mcneese State University
Lake Charles, LA

Mcneese State University placed #23 among the best values for chemistry. Set in the city of Lake Charles, Mcneese State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,489, compared with $9,989 for out-of-state students. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $24,433 in student loans. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from Mcneese State University generally make around $46,529. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

24

University Of North Carolina At Asheville earned the #24 position for value in chemistry this year. Located in the city of Asheville, University Of North Carolina At Asheville is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $7,501 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,849. Students borrow a median of $12,825 to complete the chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Asheville generally make around $36,891. That is a strong return on a $12,825 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

25
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University earned the #25 position for value in chemistry this year. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete the chemistry program here. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $44,778. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Chemistry Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in chemistry:

26
Arkansas Tech University crest
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Augusta University crest
Augusta University
Augusta, GA
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
Lander University crest
Lander University
Greenwood, SC
44
45
46
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
47
48
49
50
Davidson College crest
Davidson College
Davidson, NC

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 304 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 68 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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