Chemical engineering combines the principles of molecular science and engineering. Often linked with fuel and energy systems, chemical engineering also has uses in medicine, material science, computer engineering, and mechanical systems. Biotechnology, microelectronics, environmental projects all rely on chemical engineering. With one of the cheapest online chemical engineering master’s degrees, you can become a leader in this important field.
We have identified 21 degrees from 15 accredited colleges and universities, providing a range of pricing options for your education. These degrees build your understanding of molecular and chemical processes with engineering systems. As a graduate of one of these programs, you have the potential to improve the quality of life for billions of people.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$37,600
Least Expensive Nationwide: New Mexico State University ~$13,332
You deserve a degree that meets your budget and fits a busy schedule, all while helping achieve your educational and professional goals. With this database, you’ll find the right degree for your future.
9 Cheapest Online Chemical Engineering Master’s Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | New Mexico State University | (NM) | $13,332.00 $7,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
2 | Mississippi State University | (MS) | $17,422.00 | All Students |
3 | University of Houston | (TX) | $22,350.00 | All Students |
4 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | (NC) | $23,099.00 $56,389.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Texas Tech University | (TX) | $23,587.00 $36,187.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | University of Virginia | (VA) | $24,390.00 $45,270.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $24,775.00 | All Students |
8 | University of North Dakota | (ND) | $26,085.00 | All Students |
9 | Auburn University | (AL) | $28,510.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | (IL) | $38,658.00 | All Students | |
Lehigh University | (PA) | $46,350.00 | All Students | |
Villanova University | (PA) | $48,050.00 | All Students | |
Stanford University | (CA) | $65,770.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $68,368.00 | All Students | |
Columbia University in the City of New York | (NY) | $77,915.00 | All Students |
Methodology for These Rankings
These rankings of online chemical engineering degrees are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid as well as specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, and financial aid, as well as numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online chemical engineering degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online engineering degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the chemical engineering master’s online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Consider One of the Cheapest Online Chemical Engineering Master’s Programs?
You may be deciding whether to pursue a chemical engineering master’s online. Here are some of the top reasons why people choose these engaging as well as challenging degrees:
- A growing field: The chemical engineering profession is expected to grow by 8% from 2022 until 2032. For perspective, the overall job market is expected to grow by 3%, so there should be ample job options for highly-educated chemical engineers.
- Expand your expertise: Many of these positions only require a bachelor’s degree, but with a master’s in chemical engineering online, you’ll be eligible for new roles, including leadership and research positions.
- Tremendous pay: In order to succeed as a chemical engineer, you need to be driven by more than income. However, the median salary for these professionals is $106,260, while the top 10% earn over $171,400 a year.
There are clear advantages to these online programs, but before enrolling you need to research program cost, accreditation, the admission process, and more. Fortunately, this guide can help you make the best decision.
Program Cost for a Master’s in Chemical Engineering
These programs come in a wide range of prices. This database includes 21 programs from 15 colleges and universities. The programs vary in price from just over $13,000 to nearly $80,000. With such a broad range, you need to be thorough, selecting a program that best fits your specific budget, schedule, and needs.
The cheapest online chemical engineering master’s program comes from New Mexico State University. The school’s Master of Engineering in Chemical Process Industry has an estimated cost of $13,332, a price that is available to both in-state and out-of-state students. The program is also available to military members for $7,500.
The average estimated price in this database is $37,600. Most master’s degrees require two years of full-time study, so a typical student can expect a cost of roughly $18,800 per year. Fortunately, there are 11 programs priced below the average, including seven programs below $25,000.
The most expensive MS chemical engineering online program comes from Columbia University. The Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from this private Ivy League school costs $77,915.
Always research the degree costs and find ways to save. In general, online learning is more affordable because commuting costs and other expenses are not necessary. With transfer credits and scholarships, your degree can be surprisingly affordable.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Master’s in Engineering Degrees?
This database includes 11 programs priced below $29,000, giving applicants plenty of affordable options. However, if you want the cheapest online chemical engineering master’s degree, these are the three best options:
#1. New Mexico State University
Degree: Master of Engineering in Chemical Process Industry
Cost: $13,332 (All students)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
New Mexico State University offers the cheapest online chemical engineering master’s program. This degree, which is 100% online, requires no GRE testing for admission. (GRE is a common exam for graduate-school applicants.) The program is perfect for current engineers who want to advance their careers and also move into leadership or research positions. This is a flexible degree that fits around a busy work schedule.
This degree focuses on the science as well as operation of chemical engineering. Students are exposed to subjects that include industry and business analysis, as well as industry research and industrial safety. They also study advanced science topics like thermodynamics and chemical science.
The NMSU Global Campus offers the same support and instruction delivered to in-person students. The school has a well-earned reputation of excellence while offering degrees in the humanities, criminal justice, business, and (of course) chemical engineering.
#2. Mississippi State University
Degree: Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
Cost: $17,422 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Mississippi State has been offering an education in chemical engineering since 1935. Needless to say, this is a well-established school that fully understands the science as well as business of chemical engineering. Students in this program work with faculty who have received honors and recognition from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
This online master’s chemical engineering program combines knowledge of science and industry. Students study topics ranging from advanced chemical thermodynamics to process computations. The program also includes thesis or non-thesis options.
Mississippi State University offers numerous online graduate programs. It hosts a center for distance learning that provides support and service to online students, making the coursework more convenient while providing fully-immersive learning experiences.
#3. University of Houston
Degree: Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
Cost: $22,350 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Whether you are a recent graduate or in the middle of your chemical engineering career, the University of Houston’s Master of Science in Chemical Engineering provides a world-class education. The degree is offered completely online with no on-campus or face-to-face meetings required. This allows students from all across the country to leverage this affordable degree.
The University of Houston provides a broad education that is challenging yet convenient. The estimated cost is below $23,000, allowing students to enroll in an affordable program without sacrificing the quality of education. The degree is offered through Houston’s William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, one of the most prestigious and well-established schools in this field.
Master’s in Chemical Engineering: Degree Program Types
These chemical engineering programs come in two basic types: a master of science in chemical engineering or a master of engineering in chemical engineering. The differences, while hard to see from the outside, are important.
A master of science (MS) degree is a research-based and academic program. It often (but not always) requires a thesis, which is a massive research project completed by graduate students. They are generally broader in scope, and while they lead to engineering careers, they can also be useful for careers in academia or to move into a Ph.D. program.
A master of engineering focuses more on developing practical skills that apply directly to an engineering career. They often focus on engineering as well as coursework in business leadership, administration, and management.
There are also specializations within this database. Whether you choose a master of engineering or a master of science program, areas of focus may include:
- Chemical process
- Fiber engineering
- Polymer engineering
- Leadership in chemical engineering
- Chemical energy
- Biological chemicals
Accreditation for Chemical Engineering Programs
Accreditation is a formal, independent review process for academia. Conducted by various groups, the process ensures students receive a high-quality education while helping employees and other stakeholders determine whether students have been well trained for specific careers.
All the programs in this database come from colleges and universities that hold institutional accreditation. This is important, as financial aid is often available exclusively to students who attend an accredited school. In addition, employers value graduates of accredited schools, and some certifications require an accredited education.
When searching for chemical engineering master’s programs online, make sure to limit your search to accredited schools. This greatly increases your chances of receiving a top-quality education from a world-class institution.
Typical Admission Requirements for a Chemical Engineering Degree
Colleges require a variety of documents from incoming graduate students. A master’s degree, after all, is one of the highest forms of education, so applicants must prove they can perform at a high level.
The most basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree. All master’s programs require a four-year bachelor’s that relates to the specific degree. For these programs, a bachelor’s in chemistry, engineering, math, physics, or a similar field may apply, but the enrollment decision is ultimately up to the school. Some chemical engineering programs, for instance, will accept students with a broad physics or math degree, while others may require a chemistry or engineering degree.
The application process for a chemical engineering master’s online requires a variety of documents. First, you must submit transcripts from all colleges, including the school where you earned a bachelor’s degree. If you have transcripts from a community college or other schools, you should submit these as well.
Each school is different, but you will likely need multiple letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a professional resume. Some programs require professional experience, while others allow a direct transition from a bachelor’s degree into a master’s program.
If you find a school that meets your career needs, you can contact the admissions office for further details on how to apply.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements for Chemical Engineers
To become a chemical engineer, you need the right education. While some employers may require on-the-job training or professional experience, it’s rarely required for this career. The basic education requirement is a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s is often needed if you want to work in academic research or fill a leadership role.
Most chemical engineers, especially entry-level employees, do not need a license or certification. However, experienced engineers can seek a Professional Engineering (PE) certification, which allows them to lead and oversee other engineers and approve complex engineering projects. Having this certification, while voluntary, tells others that you are a competent engineer who achieves a high professional and ethical standard.
What’s It Like to Work as a Chemical Engineer?
Chemical engineers enjoy some of the highest salaries in the entire job market. Their skills are in high demand, and few people understand the intricacies of chemical engineering; therefore, companies and organizations are willing to pay large salaries to employees with a chemical engineering master’s degree.
Chemical Engineering: Salaries
The median salary for a chemical engineer is $106,260. This alone is a significant income, but the top 10% earn over $171,400 annually, making this a lucrative profession. The minimum education for this career is a bachelor’s, so people with a master’s degree in chemical engineering are more likely to be near the top of the earnings scale.
The best-paid chemical engineers typically work for engineering services, where the median salary is $118,840. Professionals working for the federal government are also high on the list; these professionals have a median salary of $117,730.
Chemical Engineering Job Opportunities
While chemical engineering is not a huge job pool, the BLS expects the occupation to grow faster than the overall job market. In 2022, there were roughly 20,800 chemical engineers in the United States. The BLS predicts this number will grow by 22,500, a growth of 8%, by 2032. By comparison, the overall job market is predicted to grow by 3%.
The Best Place for Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers work for businesses, governments, and also universities all across the country. But, for a variety of reasons, the highest concentration of these professionals is in Delaware, where there are 1.03 chemical engineers for every 1,000 jobs. Second place goes to both Alabama and Louisiana, where there are 0.36 chemical engineers per 1,000 workers.
Why are so many chemical engineers in Delaware? The state has a thriving manufacturing and chemical industry, so much so that it has been called “the chemical capital of the world.”
How Do I Choose a Good Online Master’s Degree Program?
Finding the right degree for your future may seem difficult, but if you follow a specific, direct process, it will be much easier.
First, limit your search to programs from accredited schools only. Regional institutional accreditation is essential for academic quality, as well as financial resources. Once you find a few accredited programs that meet your needs, research the cost in order to make sure they fit your specific budget. Review the program schedule and delivery method (hybrid or 100% online?) and also check the admission requirements.
With these simple steps, coupled with resources and information from GetEducated.com, you can find the right degree for your future!