by our College Data Analytics TeamChemistry is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their chemistry programs.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 33 schools to find the best for chemistry students.
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If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the chemistry degrees they offer, see the list below.
Drake University tops our 2026 ranking of the best chemistry schools. Located in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. About 73% of students finish within six years. Drake University awarded about 10 chemistry degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the chemistry program make about $56,228 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,273. More information about a degree in chemistry from Drake University
Students looking for a strong chemistry program will find one at Grinnell College, which ranked #2. Located in the town of Grinnell, Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit university. About 88% of students finish within six years. Grinnell College awarded about 10 chemistry degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their chemistry degree from Grinnell College earn around $38,888 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $17,154 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in chemistry from Grinnell College
Students looking for a strong chemistry program will find one at University Of Iowa, which ranked #3. This very large public university is located in the city of Iowa City. About 75% of students finish within six years. About 73 chemistry degrees were awarded at University Of Iowa in the most recent year. Chemistry graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $44,847 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,956 to complete this degree. Read more about the chemistry program at University Of Iowa
Students looking for a strong chemistry program will find one at Iowa State University, which ranked #4. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. Iowa State University graduates 75% of students within six years. Iowa State University awarded about 62 chemistry degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the chemistry program make about $57,326 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,250. More information about a degree in chemistry from Iowa State University
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 33 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.