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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Chemistry Schools in Kentucky

5 Colleges in the United States
$24,590 Avg Student Debt
$51,972 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Chemistry Badge [Chemistry](/majors/physical-sciences/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 20 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 Kentucky

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
Northern Kentucky University crest
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University tops our 2026 list of the best value chemistry schools in Kentucky. Located in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $25,572 in student loans. 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. The acceptance rate is 68%.

2

Murray State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in chemistry, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the chemistry program here. Chemistry graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $48,334 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

3

Eastern Kentucky University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value chemistry schools. Located in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $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. The acceptance rate is 78%.

4
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in chemistry, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete the chemistry program here. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $44,778. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Kentucky earned it the #5 place for chemistry. Set in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, chemistry degree recipients from University Of Kentucky generally make around $49,568. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

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6

University Of Louisville landed the #6 spot for chemistry value this year. Set in the city of Louisville, University Of Louisville is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,136, while out-of-state students pay about $29,482. Chemistry graduates carry a median of $24,411 in student loans. Chemistry graduates of University Of Louisville earn a median of $41,842 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

7
Centre College crest
Centre College
Danville, KY

Centre College landed the #7 spot for chemistry value this year. Set in the town of Danville, Centre College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,820. Typical student debt for chemistry graduates is $26,560. Early-career chemistry graduates make about $32,327. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Centre College admits about 54% of applicants.

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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 · 20 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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