Our Best College Value Rankings highlight programs of study that represent the best values in education for your dollar. Programs chosen for this ranking are not only of reputably high quality, but that are affordable and pay off in the long run as well. At a time when the cost of a college education is higher than it has ever been, and a degree from a reputable school may be more important than ever, the stakes have never been higher when choosing a college. Our BCV rankings are here to help make this decision a little easier.
For our 2017 Online Master’s of Engineering in Chemical Engineering ranking we have selected 10 regionally accredited colleges and universities good reputations according to U.S. News and World Report rankings and ranked them utilizing a weighted methodology that aggregates publicly available data including U.S. News scores, tuition rates, return on investment according to Payscale.com, graduation rates, and cohort default rates to produce an overall score of 1-100. The top 10 programs are those included in this ranking.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with a master’s degree can earn an average of $400,000 more over their careers than those with a bachelor’s and the number of jobs for managers with engineering training is predicted to grow in the coming years. An online degree program is an excellent way for professionals to position themselves with theses advantages without disrupting their current employment or needing to relocate.
Chemical Engineering is a broad discipline that using tools from chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology to carry out molecular transformation of low value raw materials to high added final products in a cost-efficient, and safe way. Graduates of these Chemical Engineering Master’s programs will be positioned for advanced careers in diverse industries in chemical and petrochemical processing, biopharmaceutical, materials and electronics manufacturing, energy generation and distribution, environmental remediation, process automation, and new product design.
It should be noted that in building our ranking we take both in and out-of-state tuition into consideration. However, attending college in your state of residency will always be more affordable and ultimately provide a better return on investment than attending an out-of-state school. Where applicable, any program on this list offered through a public college or university that is in your state of residency should be considered among those at the top of the list.
Note: Tuition rates listed are estimates and total tuition costs will vary from student to student and program to program based on a number of factors.
#1. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a “public-private” research university and member institution of the Association of American Universities. Located in the town of Charlottesville, the university is a nationally and globally renowned institution of higher learning ranked #26 in “National Universities and #3 in “Top Public Schools,” #22 in “Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs,” and #36 in “Best Chemical Engineering Programs” by U.S. News and World Report. UVA offers vast resources and opportunities of major research university, but also the intimacy, and sense of community of a small liberal arts college.
The School of Engineering and Applied Science at UVA focuses on research efforts in four major areas: bioengineering, nanotechnology, information science & technology, and energy & environment and is dedicated to the development of leaders in engineering and scientific solutions that benefit the world. An online graduate program in chemical engineering is offered which prepares men and women for advanced work in the chemical, plastics, energy, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as for many other industrial and government positions. A program of studies leading to the Master of Engineering (M.E.) degree usually consists of 30 credits including five “core” courses in advanced chemical engineering and elective credit to further customize students’ programs of study. UVA’s provides an overall balance between reputation, cost, and return on investment that earns it the #10 spot in our ranking.
Accreditation: The University of Virginia is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Education programs are recognized by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.
Tuition
In-State: $18,600
Out-of-State: $30,570
#2. Auburn University
Located in Auburn, Alabama, Auburn University is a public institution among few designated as land, sea, and space grant universities. The school is focused on research projects that benefit the local community. AU emphasizes international education and is a leader in fields including engineering, transportation tech, and veterinary medicine. Auburn is a reputable institution ranked #99 in “National Universities,” #43 in “Top Public Schools,” #55 in “Best Chemical Engineering Programs,” and #27 in “Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs” by U.S. News & World Report.
The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is the state’s largest and most prestigious engineering program and a major presence in engineering education. The college is recognized as a major contributor to the region’s economic development and industrial competitiveness. Auburn Engineering is committed to educating engineers who can solve the world’s greatest challenges. This commitment includes a passion for elevating the college to the next level of academic and research performance, and making discoveries that impact the quality of life for people everywhere. The College’s online graduate degree allows students to advance their education on their own timeline. The Department of Chemical Engineering offers a Master of Chemical Engineering (M.Ch.E.), which is a high-quality non-thesis degree oriented toward engineering design and practice. The degree has no residency requirement and can be earned entirely online. The program includes specialization options including: surface science, biochemical engineering, catalysis, pulp and paper engineering, environmental engineering, waste conversion, computer-aided process design and simulation, novel bioseparations systems, chemical kinetics and reactor design, thermodynamics, advanced energy research, mass and energy transfer, and more. A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree. Auburn’s tuition rate is among the lowest on this ranking earning it its place at #2.
Accreditation: Auburn University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $11,850
#3. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University in Raleigh is a public land-grant research university located in North Carolina’s technologically thriving central region. The university has become known as one of the most technologically advanced collaborative learning spaces in the world and as having made some of the most groundbreaking advances in science and technology. The university is ranked #92 in “National Universities,” #21 in “Best Chemical Engineering Programs,” and #12 in “Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs” by U.S. News & World Report.
The College of Engineering at North Carolina State University is home to nearly 30 research centers and laboratories providing a diverse range of research opportunities to enhance the education students receive in the classroom. The college strives to build a collaborative environment where students and faculty can work to provide solutions to societal needs and enhance the economic development and quality of life of the citizens of North Carolina, our nation and humankind. The college offers over a dozen online degrees including its online Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, non-thesis degree program. The programs is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline who wish to pursue a graduate degree in chemical engineering. Outstanding students with degrees in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, and other branches of science and engineering may also qualify for admission with the completion of required pre-requisite courses. A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree. NCSU’s low rate of tuition and high reputation earn it he #3 place in our ranking.
Accreditation: North Carolina State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
In-State: $13,380
Out-of-State: $31,260
#4. Rutgers University New Brunswick
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in New Brunswick, is a public university and the flagship campus of the Rutgers System. Rutgers provides a vibrant and challenging academic environment, cutting edge research programs, and a tradition of service to New Jersey and the nation. The University belongs to the Association of American Universities, which includes just 62 to research universities in North America. U.S. News & World Report ranks Rutgers New Brunswick # 72 in “National Universities,” #28 in “Top Public Schools,” #44 in “Best Chemical Engineering Programs,” and #29 in “Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs.”
The School of Engineering at Rutgers University New Brunswick is dedicated to the education of future engineers for a complex, diverse, and global workplace and strives to conduct state-of-the-art and relevant research that embraces technology to address societal challenges of a multi-faceted nation and a globally connected world. Students can earn a Master of Engineering in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering through 100% online study. The degree concentrates on pharmaceutical engineering and requires a minimum of 30 credits for completion. Rutgers’ above average scores in every value ranking category earn it its place in our ranking.
Accreditation: Rutgers New Brunswick is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $30,000
#5. University of Illinois Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago is a public research university dedicated to the “creation of knowledge that transforms our views of the world and through sharing and application, transforms the world.” As Chicago’s only public research university, UIC conducts valuable research to address the challenges that face Great Cities in the 21st century. UIC is ranked #152 in “National Universities,” #78 in “Top Public Schools,” #74 in “Best Chemical Engineering Programs,” and #21 in “Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs” by U.S. News & World Report.
The UIC College of Engineering is recognized for its academic excellence with undergraduate and graduate programs in six academic departments and is the only public research university providing engineering education in the City of Chicago. The college is driven by its mission of providing “Access to Excellence and Success,” providing students, and in particular underserved students, with an excellent engineering education to prepare them for meaningful work and success in the global workforce. The college offers an Online Master of Engineering program with a concentration option in Chemical Engineering. The program is a professional degree based exclusively on coursework, without a research component. The program requires a minimum of 36 credits for completion of the degree. UIC’s low tuition rate and good score in reputation earns it its place at #5 in this ranking.
Accreditation: The University of Illinois Chicago is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $22,680
#6. University of Florida
Located in the town of Gainesville, the University of Florida is a member institution of the Association of American Universities, an international organization of leading research universities which includes just 62 public and private institutions from the U.S. The University of Florida is a highly ranked and reputable university with scores in U.S. News and World Report of #46 in “Top National Universities,” #53 in “Top Global Universities,” and #43 in “Best Engineering Schools”
The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Floria offers a wide range of research opportunities and is home to an array of research centers and facilities including the Center for Intelligent Machines and Robotics. Curriculum at the College is designed to produce leaders and problem-solvers who take a multidisciplinary approach to innovation. The University of Florida offers a wide range of online graduate engineering programs including Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering with specializations in Polymers, Metals, and Structural materials. A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree UF has very good tuition rates which secure its position as a value college.
Accreditation: The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
In-State: $25,480
Out-of-State: $60,268
#7. Kansas State University
Kansas State University is a public land-grant university and one of the first of its kind in the nation. The main campus is located in the city of Manhattan. The university has become nationally recognized for its student-run “K-State Proud” organization which works to create financial awards for low-income students. The university is integrated into the local community such that students and community members often work together on initiatives to improve the community. K-State offers a wide variety of online degree programs and certificates through its Global Campus. U.S. News & World Report ranks K-State #146 in “National Universities,” #77 in “Top Public Schools,” #88 in “Best Chemical Engineering Programs,” and #22 in “Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs.”
K-State’s College of Engineering aims to provide an outstanding undergraduate educational experience while continuing to conduct outstanding research related to energy, health, infrastructure, and information technology. The Online Master of Science in Chemical Engineering program offered through the college is designed for working professionals who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and is offered completely online. A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree. Kansas State provides outstanding tuition rates and reputation well above average which earns it its position in our ranking.
Accreditation: Kansas State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
In-State: $36,136
Out-of-State: $90,496
#8. Lehigh University
Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lehigh University is a private institution of higher learning encompassing four colleges with numerous undergraduate and graduate majors. The university is considered a premier residential research university at the cutting edge of blending learning inside and outside the classroom and is ranked #47 in “National Universities,” #36 in “Best Chemical Engineering Programs,” and 349 in “Best Online Engineering Programs.”
Lehigh’s P.C. Rossi College of Engineering and Applied Science applies a humanistic approach to engineering encouraging students to think holistically about societal challenges and Lehigh engineers work with their peers to understand issues from a wide viewpoint rather than one niche discipline. The college offers a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering online through its office of Distance Education. Established in 1903, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is one of the oldest degree programs at Lehigh University and is also one of the oldest in the US. Lehigh Chemical Engineers have embraced an entrepreneurial culture for over 100 years, establishing a heritage of leadership and collaboration that still thrives today.The online program utilizes both asynchronous and synchronous learning throughout the course of study, A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree. Lehigh’s balance of reputation, return on investment and low cost earn it the #9 position in our ranking.
Accreditation: Lehigh University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Tuition: $42,600
#9. Clarkson University
A Private research university located in Potsdam, New York, Clarkson University was originally founded as a technological institution and today maintains very strong programs in technology and applied sciences. The university is foremost a university centered on unique and individualized undergraduate instruction, but is also at the forefront of important research and technological innovation. U.S. News & World Report ranks Clarkson #115 in “National Universities,” and #67 in
Best Chemical Engineering Programs.”
The Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering at Clarkson University prepares students for tomorrow’s challenges through team-based and interdisciplinary curriculum as well as by emphasizing the development of technology that serves humanity and by encouraging students to consider the social consequences of projects by looking at the economic, ethical, and environmental impacts of every engineering decision. The school offers graduate programs in chemical engineering designed to prepare students for careers in research, development, design, and education. The program is offered through distance learning and leads to either a Master of Engineering, or Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. A minimum of 34 credits are required for completion of the degree. Clarkson University’s good reputation and high return on investment earn it its place in this ranking.
Accreditation: Clarkson University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $39,000
#10. Illinois Institute of Technology
A private institution of higher learning located in Chicago, Illinois, the Illinois Institute of Technology provides academic options for students interested in science, engineering, design, business, and more. IIT has a strong focus on sustainability both in its campus design as well as across curriculums. IIT also focuses heavily on cross disciplinary collaboration and provides many opportunities for team based projects that bring together the diverse skills of various schools and departments to solve pressing problems and issues. The university is ranked #108 in “National Universities,” and #67 in “Best Chemical Engineering Programs,”by U.S. News & World Report.
The Armour College of Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology is devoted to the preparation of engineering students to be the innovators and entrepreneurs that will shape the future. The college maintains a strong undergraduate research focus that allows students to explore topics of high priority and relevance throughout their studies and are challenged to take on research normally only open to graduate students. The college offers a Master of Chemical Engineering degree program available online through IIT Online. A minimum of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree. The university’s low tuition rates coupled with its relatively high return on investment earn Illinois Institute of Technology its place in our ranking.
Accreditation: Illinois Institute of Technology is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition: $42,000
