Best Chemistry Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 10 colleges offering Chemistry programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 264 recent graduates. Graduates in Illinois earn $40,432 on average within two years — 8% above the national average of $37,391, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

Schools in IL

$40,432

IL Avg. Earnings

$37,391

National Avg.

304

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Chemistry in Illinois

Public Schools (7)

$39,152

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$44,273

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $5,121 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Chemistry Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Public

$42,682

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,243

Graduates: 28

Acceptance: 97.2%

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$44,861

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,970

Graduates: 102

Acceptance: 43.7%

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public

$40,737

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,020

Graduates: 21

Acceptance: 75.0%

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 72.7%

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public

$35,060

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,230

Graduates: 33

Acceptance: 70.5%

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$33,281

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,142

Graduates: 46

Acceptance: 78.5%

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $44,522

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 89.0%

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private

$44,971

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $41,049

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 7.1%

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$38,289

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 90.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Chemistry in Illinois?

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranks #1 for Chemistry in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $42,682 within two years of graduation. There are 10 schools offering Chemistry programs in the state.

How much do Chemistry graduates earn in Illinois?

Chemistry graduates in Illinois earn an average of $40,432 within two years of graduation. This is 8% above the national average of $37,391 for this major.

What is the hardest Chemistry school to get into in Illinois?

Northwestern University is the most selective Chemistry program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 7.1%. The average acceptance rate across Chemistry programs in the state is 69.8%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Chemistry in Illinois?

In Illinois, private Chemistry programs produce average earnings of $44,273 vs $39,152 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 7 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Chemical Engineering $69,173 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $64,764 Civil Engineering $61,502 Construction Management $60,021 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $58,932 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $57,318

All colleges in Illinois →

Chemistry in Other States

California New York Ohio Pennsylvania Texas Massachusetts New Jersey North Carolina Minnesota Michigan Georgia Florida View All →

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.