Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025

Badge for BEST FOR CHEMISTRY LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
By Dr. Jed Macosko and Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

The best chemistry liberal arts colleges are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best chemistry degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding chemistry faculty.

Key Takeaways

  • The best liberal arts colleges for chemistry degrees use the latest technology and advancements in the field to ensure chemistry students are well prepared to enter the field.
  • Students seeking a degree in chemistry at a liberal arts college will also receive foundational knowledge in the environmental, material, and bioengineering sciences.
  • Chemistry majors can typically choose a concentration such as biochemistry, chemical physics, life sciences, or organic chemistry.

Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees in 2025

  1. Wesleyan University
    +2
  2. Amherst College
  3. Swarthmore College
    +1
  4. United States Military Academy
    +4
  5. Williams College
    +1
  6. Smith College
    +19
  7. Oberlin College
    +13
  8. Wellesley College
    +3
  9. Barnard College
    +5
  10. United States Naval Academy
    +9

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten liberal arts colleges for chemistry degrees saw a considerable amount of movement. Smith College gained the most ranking positions because of upgraded chemistry labs with state-of-the-art equipment to support advanced research and hands-on learning. New interdisciplinary courses combining chemistry with environmental science, materials science, and bioengineering have been added, reflecting the growing importance of cross-disciplinary approaches in scientific research. Additionally, Smith has expanded its research opportunities, offering more collaborative projects with faculty and partnerships with external research institutions. These initiatives provide chemistry students with enhanced learning experiences and real-world applications of their studies.

Featured Programs

Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees

  1. #1

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    #1 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $64,022
    Expenses: $20,850
    Starting Salary: $41,519
    Salary after 4 years: $70,534
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wesleyan University known for?

    Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wesleyan University Chemistry Major:

    BA Chemistry Tracks:

    • Physics and math
    • Biological and biochemical
    • BA/MA 5 year program Chemistry

    Source

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Amherst College

    Cost of Degree: $64,100
    Expenses: $19,550
    Starting Salary: $54,551
    Salary after 4 years: $92,673
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Amherst College known for?

    Amherst College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Amherst College Chemistry Major:

    • BA Chemistry

    Source

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #6 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Swarthmore College

    Cost of Degree: $59,328
    Expenses: $20,686
    Starting Salary: $45,841
    Salary after 4 years: $77,876
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Swarthmore College known for?

    Swarthmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Swarthmore College Chemistry Majors:

    • Chemistry
    • Biochemistry
    • Chemical Physics

    Source

    Compare school
  4. #4

    United States Military Academy

    West Point , NY
    #5 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

    What is United States Military Academy known for?

    United States Military Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    West Point Chemistry and Life Science Department Majors:

    • Chemistry
    • Life Science
    • Chemical Engineering

    Source

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  6. #5

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #6 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1525/34

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Williams College

    Cost of Degree: $61,770
    Expenses: $19,230
    Starting Salary: $58,808
    Salary after 4 years: $99,904
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Williams College known for?

    Williams College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Williams College Chemistry Majors:

    Focus Areas:

    • Biochemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
    • Materials Science

    Source

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    #7 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Smith College

    Cost of Degree: $58,768
    Expenses: $23,366
    Starting Salary: $33,464
    Salary after 4 years: $56,850
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Smith College known for?

    Smith College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Smith College Chemistry Majors:

    • Chemistry
    • Biochemistry

    Source

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    35%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/31

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Oberlin College

    Cost of Degree: $62,024
    Expenses: $22,206
    Starting Salary: $29,797
    Salary after 4 years: $50,620
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Oberlin College known for?

    Oberlin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Oberlin College Chemistry Majors:

    • Chemistry
    • Biochemistry

    Source

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    #8 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Wellesley College

    Cost of Degree: $61,920
    Expenses: $21,130
    Starting Salary: $47,020
    Salary after 4 years: $79,879
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wellesley College known for?

    Wellesley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wellesley College Chemistry Major:

    • BA Chemistry

    Source

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    #10 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #11 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Barnard College

    Cost of Degree: $62,525
    Expenses: $21,884
    Starting Salary: $45,645
    Salary after 4 years: $77,543
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Barnard College known for?

    Barnard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Barnard College Chemistry Majors:

    • Biochemistry
    • Chemistry

    5 year Masters Program:

    • Chemical Engineering
    • Biomedical Engineering

    Source

    Compare school
  12. #10

    United States Naval Academy

    Annapolis , MD
    #12 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024
    Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/28

    What is United States Naval Academy known for?

    United States Naval Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    USNA Plebe Chemistry Major:

    Examples of specializations:

    • Polymer chemistry
    • Environmental chemistry
    • Medicinal chemistry

    Source

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bryn Mawr , PA
    #9 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #15 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1387/31

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Bryn Mawr College

    Cost of Degree: $59,330
    Expenses: $20,050
    Starting Salary: $39,948
    Salary after 4 years: $67,864
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bryn Mawr College known for?

    Bryn Mawr College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Byrn Mawr College Chemistry Major:

    • Chemistry

    Concentrations:

    • Biochemistry
    • Geochemistry

    Source

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    #1 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #16 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #17 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1410/31

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Reed College

    Cost of Degree: $64,760
    Expenses: $18,550
    Starting Salary: $34,512
    Salary after 4 years: $58,630
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Reed College known for?

    Reed College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Reed College Chemistry Majors:

    • Chemistry
    • Biochemistry
    • Molecular biology
    • Chemistry-physics
    • Chemistry-environmental studies
    • Dual Degree Chemical Engineering

    Source

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    #17 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #19 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/34

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Haverford College

    Cost of Degree: $63,348
    Expenses: $21,120
    Starting Salary: $49,181
    Salary after 4 years: $83,550
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Haverford College known for?

    Haverford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Haverford College Chemistry Major Concentrations:

    • Biochemistry
    • Scientific Computing

    Source

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    #18 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #20 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Pomona College

    Cost of Degree: $59,238
    Expenses: $21,958
    Starting Salary: $50,622
    Salary after 4 years: $85,998
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Pomona College known for?

    Pomona College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Pomona College Chemistry Majors:

    • BA Chemistry
    • Chemical Engineering Track

    Source

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Bowdoin College

    Cost of Degree: $61,528
    Expenses: $18,862
    Starting Salary: $54,551
    Salary after 4 years: $92,673
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bowdoin College known for?

    Bowdoin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Bowdoin College Chemistry Major Concentrations:

    • Chemical
    • Educational
    • Environmental
    • Geochemical
    • Neurochemical

    Source

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Middlebury College

    Middlebury , VT
    #20 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/34

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Middlebury College

    Cost of Degree: $62,460
    Expenses: $19,800
    Starting Salary: $47,086
    Salary after 4 years: $79,990
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Middlebury College known for?

    Middlebury College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Middlebury College Chemistry Majors:

    Focus Areas:

    • Biochemistry
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
    • Materials Science

    Source

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    #23 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Colgate University

    Cost of Degree: $64,290
    Expenses: $19,360
    Starting Salary: $53,111
    Salary after 4 years: $90,225
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colgate University known for?

    Colgate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Colgate College Chemistry Majors:

    • Chemistry
    • Biochemistry

    Source

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Carleton College

    Northfield , MN
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/33

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Carleton College

    Cost of Degree: $62,634
    Expenses: $18,716
    Starting Salary: $44,466
    Salary after 4 years: $75,540
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carleton College known for?

    Carleton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Carleton College Chemistry Majors:

    • Chemistry
    • ACS certified chemistry

    Source

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Kenyon College

    Gambier , OH
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1432/32

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Kenyon College

    Cost of Degree: $66,490
    Expenses: $17,310
    Starting Salary: $35,691
    Salary after 4 years: $60,632
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Kenyon College known for?

    Kenyon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Kenyon College Chemistry Major:

    • BA Chemistry

    Source

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Grinnell College

    Grinnell , IA
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/32

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Grinnell College

    Cost of Degree: $61,480
    Expenses: $18,148
    Starting Salary: $39,948
    Salary after 4 years: $67,864
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Grinnell College known for?

    Grinnell College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Grinnell College Chemistry Major:

    • Chemistry

    Source

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Davidson College

    Davidson , NC
    #4 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Davidson College

    Cost of Degree: $57,090
    Expenses: $18,525
    Starting Salary: $46,562
    Salary after 4 years: $79,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Davidson College known for?

    Davidson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Davison College Chemistry Major:

    • One-on-one and small group researchs opportunities
    • Independent study options

    Source

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  27. #23

    Harvey Mudd College

    Claremont , CA
    #5 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #4 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/35

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Harvey Mudd College

    Cost of Degree: $62,817
    Expenses: $22,079
    Starting Salary: $68,238
    Salary after 4 years: $115,924
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Harvey Mudd College known for?

    Harvey Mudd College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Harvey Mudd College Chemistry Major:

    Common emphases:

    • Applied Chemistry (for Chemical Engineering)
    • Computational Chemistry
    • Environmental Chemistry
    • Materials Science
    • Geochemistry
    • Dual major: Chemistry and Biology

    Source

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    #5 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/34

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at Claremont McKenna College

    Cost of Degree: $60,715
    Expenses: $21,412
    Starting Salary: $61,035
    Salary after 4 years: $103,687
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Claremont McKenna College known for?

    Claremont McKenna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Claremont Mckenna College Chemistry Major:

    • ACS accredited Chemistrymajor
    • Dual majors available

    Source

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  30. #25

    California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

    San Luis Obispo , CA
    #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    23K

    Career Outlook for Chemistry degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

    Cost of Degree: $10,319
    Expenses: $19,599
    Starting Salary: $58,930
    Salary after 4 years: $86,340
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo known for?

    California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Cal Poly Chemistry Majors:

    • BS in Chemistry
    • BS in Chemistry – Polymers and Coatings
    • BS in Biochemistry
    • BS in Biochemistry – Polymers and Coatings
    • BS in Biochemistry or Chemistry with Teaching Option
    • Blended BS/MS in Polymers and Coatings

    Source

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Career Outlook for Students with Chemistry Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Chemistry

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,801
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,581
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $38,478
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $56,375
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 10 years
  • Job Growth: 1.96%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,370,100
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Natural Sciences Managers4.87%$122,066
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary3.70%$90,850
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary3.48%$84,717
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary3.80%$83,117
Chemists6.20%$77,236

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$53,776$83,007$130,962

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 North Carolina11% higher than average$88,998
#3 Michigan15% higher than average$84,969
#4 New York5% higher than average$99,845
#5 Ohio14% higher than average$81,585
#6 Missouri16% higher than average$78,913

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Natural Sciences Managers$122,066
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary$90,850
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$84,717
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

A bachelor’s degree in chemistry is an excellent starting point for a career in engineering, pharmacology, environmental science, food science, forensics, and a host of other promising fields. As a chemistry major, you’ll study the matter and processes that make up the universe and everything within, living and nonliving. Your chemistry degree will incorporate major life sciences like biology and physics as well as foundational courses in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and molecular chemistry. The best schools for chemistry are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of chemistry concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Degree popularity: Chemistry bachelor’s degrees are among the top 50 most popular undergraduate degrees across all student demographics. It’s slightly more popular among men, and ranks the 23th most popular degree among Asian American and Pacific Islanders, according to the number of degree earners reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics.

If you think a research university may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best research universities for a bachelor’s in chemistry.

Go to all Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry programs

The Best Chemistry Schools in Your State

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