The Best Master’s in Chemical Engineering Programs

Discover how the best master’s in chemical engineering programs help chemical engineers bring their careers to the next level.

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Updated December 18, 2024

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One of the broadest engineering degrees and careers, chemical engineering applies the knowledge of chemicals and chemical processes to improve products and operations for manufacturers and other organizations. A master’s program in chemical engineering tackles the most advanced topics in this field and prepares graduates for engineering, leadership, and research and development careers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 9% growth rate for this sector between 2020 and 2030, exceeding the projected growth rate for all occupations during this period. Furthermore, the median annual salary in May 2021 for these professionals was more than double the median annual salary for all occupations. Yet, rising college costs and graduate school debt may dissuade potential degree-seekers from enrolling.

Engineering students, however, benefit from a vast selection of graduate school options. They have access to online schools, which can offer flexibility and accessibility for working professionals and help learners lower their true program costs. Because chemical engineering is a broad field, prospective students can also choose between programs that focus in specific areas, leading to different postgraduate outcomes.

Discover our top-ranked master’s in chemical engineering programs.

Our Top Pick

Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Cambridge, Massachusetts

Why It’s #1: MIT earns the top spot in our rankings for a combination of reasons, including its high graduation rate. While MIT’s tuition rates are high, a large percentage of the school’s students receive financial aid. Furthermore, MIT has one of the lowest percentages of financial aid via loans, which demonstrates the availability of other forms of more desirable financial assistance, such as scholarships and grants.

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Best Accredited Master’s in Chemical Engineering Programs

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA4 yearCampus

$53,450

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$53,450

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $57,590
Out of State | $57,590

Credits to Graduate
66

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

MIT's MS in chemical engineering practice program provides students with a one-year path to an advanced degree. Instead of a thesis, learners complete a one-semester industrial internship. They also complete core courses in numerical methods, thermodynamics, and analysis of transport phenomena.

MIT has nearly 40 labs available that chemical engineering graduate students can use for their research. For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree. They also need to submit short answer essays and letters of recommendation.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$53,450

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,450

Retention Rate

99%

Students Enrolled

11,520

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$53,450

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,450

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA4 yearCampus

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$53,450

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,450

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$53,450

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,450

Retention Rate

99%

Students Enrolled

11,520

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $57,590
Out of State | $57,590

Credits to Graduate
66

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ4 yearCampus

$51,870

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$51,870

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $57,410
Out of State | $57,410

Credits to Graduate
32

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

Princeton offers two types of master's in chemical engineering, a thesis-based MSE in chemical engineering and a course-based M.Eng. in chemical engineering. Students can complete the M.Eng. program in one year and the MSE program in less than two years. Courses include fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and advanced chemical reactor engineering.

Princeton students have access to two national laboratories. For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$51,870

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$51,870

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

8,419

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$51,870

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$51,870

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ4 yearCampus

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$51,870

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$51,870

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$51,870

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$51,870

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

8,419

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $57,410
Out of State | $57,410

Credits to Graduate
32

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

Princeton students have access to two national laboratories. For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree.

Yale University

New Haven, CT4 yearCampus

$43,300

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$43,300

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Term
In State | $23,450
Out of State | $23,450

Courses to Graduate
8

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

Yale features two types of MS in engineering and applied science degrees, a terminal degree and one for students pursuing a doctorate. The terminal degree program features no mandatory core course requirements, giving students multiple specialization opportunities.

The doctoral path allows learners to complete up to two special investigation courses. Available fields of study include nanomaterials, sustainability, and soft matter. For admission, prospective students need a BS in engineering or a related discipline.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$55,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$55,500

Retention Rate

99%

Students Enrolled

13,609

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$43,300

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$43,300

Yale University

New Haven, CT4 yearCampus

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$43,300

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$43,300

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$55,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$55,500

Retention Rate

99%

Students Enrolled

13,609

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Term
In State | $23,450
Out of State | $23,450

Courses to Graduate
8

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$56,067

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$56,067

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Unit
In State | $7,123
Out of State | $7,123

Units to Graduate
10

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

Students can complete Northwestern's MS in chemical engineering program in about nine months. Degree-seekers can choose from a course-based and thesis track, taking core courses in fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and kinetics and reactor design.

Thesis students need to complete a responsible research course and are advised to attend a research seminar as well. Northwestern offers professional development opportunities, such as practical internships and management programs. For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,232

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,232

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

22,448

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$56,067

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,067

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$56,067

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,067

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,232

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,232

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

22,448

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Unit
In State | $7,123
Out of State | $7,123

Units to Graduate
10

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA4 yearCampus

$52,506

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$52,506

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Year
In State | $56,364
Out of State | $56,364

Units to Graduate
132

Program Information
N/A

Caltech allows chemical engineering Ph.D. students to apply for an MS in chemical engineering once they satisfy the requirements and submit a thesis. The core courses include physical and chemical rate processes, heterogeneous kinetics, and chemical thermodynamics.

Chemical engineering students can complete a 54-credit minor if they maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$52,506

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$52,506

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

2,237

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$52,506

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$52,506

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA4 yearCampus

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$52,506

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$52,506

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$52,506

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$52,506

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

2,237

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Year
In State | $56,364
Out of State | $56,364

Units to Graduate
132

Program Information
N/A

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$29,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$29,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

11%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Term
In State | $29,500
Out of State | $29,500

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

Cornell runs two master's in chemical engineering: a terminal M.Eng. in chemical engineering and an MS in chemical engineering for learners in pursuit of a doctorate. The course-based M.Eng. covers topics in mass and energy balances, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamics. The program also has a final project component.

The MS program features a thesis or special project requirement. Student teaching positions may be available. For admission, prospective students need to possess a bachelor's degree and submit a statement of purpose.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,550

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,550

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

24,027

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$29,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,500

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$29,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,500

Acceptance Rate

11%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$56,550

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$56,550

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

24,027

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Term
In State | $29,500
Out of State | $29,500

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

$48,624

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$48,624

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $2,215
Out of State | $2,215

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Inc.

Vanderbilt's MS in chemical engineering includes core courses in mathematics, thermodynamics, applied chemical kinetics, and transport phenomena. The program also features a thesis requirement. Teaching assistant roles may be available.

Vanderbilt hosts several labs and research centers, including the Chemical Innovation Lab. For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's in chemical engineering. Applicants without a chemical engineering background may need to complete chemical engineering undergraduate courses.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,800

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

13,131

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$48,624

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,624

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$48,624

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,624

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$50,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,800

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

13,131

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $2,215
Out of State | $2,215

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Inc.

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$54,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

14%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $29,710
Out of State | $29,710

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

Washington University offers an MS in energy, environmental, and chemical engineering and an M.Eng. in energy, environmental, and chemical engineering. Students take required courses in mathematical methods and transport phenomena, plus optional courses in aquatic chemistry, bioprocess engineering, and aerosol science and technology.

MS program learners complete a six-credit thesis requirement, whereas M.Eng. students complete courses in project management, policy aspects, and independent study. For admission to the programs, prospective students need a bachelor's degree. They must submit letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,250

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

16,191

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,250

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,250

Acceptance Rate

14%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,250

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,250

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

16,191

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $29,710
Out of State | $29,710

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

Rice University

Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$48,791

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$48,791

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $2,146
Out of State | $2,146

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information

Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

Rice's master's in chemical engineering program features core courses in fluid mechanics, physicochemical hydrodynamics, and numerical methods with engineering applications. Learners have access to energy engineering, bioengineering, and materials science electives as well.

Rice also offers independent study and summer internship options for degree-seekers. For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants with a different bachelor's degree may take additional courses to satisfy the prerequisites.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$48,330

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,330

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

7,282

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$48,791

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,791

Rice University

Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$48,791

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,791

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$48,330

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,330

Retention Rate

98%

Students Enrolled

7,282

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $2,146
Out of State | $2,146

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information

Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

#10

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$27,335

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

37%

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $12,744
Out of State | $30,138

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

UF offers three master's in chemical engineering options, including a thesis MS program, a non-thesis MS program, and an M.Eng. program. The thesis program features courses in mathematical, continuum, and molecular basis. The non-thesis programs offer lab research assignments or industrial internships.

For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. GRE scores may also be required.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

52,407

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Acceptance Rate

37%

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

52,407

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $12,744
Out of State | $30,138

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.

For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. GRE scores may also be required.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Engineering Programs

Is a master’s in chemical engineering worth it?

Yes. A master’s in chemical engineering provides value to students and graduates. They can develop skills and knowledge that apply to many professions and industries. The BLS projects the addition of nearly 150,000 new architectural and engineering jobs between 2020 and 2030.

An online program may be attractive to many learners, who can maintain jobs more easily when studying remotely. Online learning can benefit current engineers looking to advance their careers and earn higher salaries.

What can I do with a master’s in chemical engineering?

Graduates with a master’s in chemical engineering can apply for many jobs within the broad sector of chemical engineering. According to the BLS, chemical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree, plus some professional or internship experience.

Since chemical engineering overlaps with several fields, other engineering roles may be available to master’s-holders as well. Nuclear engineering, biological engineering, and biomedical engineering fields all hire chemical engineering specialists. Experienced professionals may gain access to engineering management positions.

What continuing education is available for chemical engineering graduates?

The main continuing education path for graduates with a master’s in chemical engineering is pursuing a doctorate in the same discipline. Degree-seekers at this level may specialize in nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and fluids, among other concentrations. They might also explore interdisciplinary fields, such as biomedical engineering or process engineering.

Aside from a doctoral degree, many schools offer postgraduate certificates and professional development opportunities. Professionals can also complement their engineering education with business or leadership education. This might open doors in new industries or careers.

How much money can I make with a master’s in chemical engineering?

With a master’s in chemical engineering, professionals can pursue most chemical engineering careers. According to the BLS, these professionals made a median annual salary of $105,550 in May 2021, nearly $60,000 more than the median annual salary for all occupations. Meanwhile, the top 10% of professionals in the field made more than $187,430 during the same period.

A worker’s specific industry can impact their salary, as well. Engineers in engineering services earned a median of $152,430 in May 2021. Those in petroleum products manufacturing earned $126,780, workers in research and development earned $102,390, professionals in wholesale trade earned $100,290, and engineers in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing earned $96,220.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a master’s in chemical engineering?

The highest-paying positions available to professionals with a master’s in chemical engineering are managerial roles. According to the BLS, architectural and engineering managers made a median annual wage of $152,350 in May 2021. The top 10% of workers in this field made more than $208,000.

For managers in scientific research, the median annual salary was $187,240 in May 2021. Managers also made a median annual wage of $151,890 in manufacturing, $151,870 in engineering services, and $135,150 in the government.

Feature Image: Thomas Barwick / DigitalVision / Getty Images

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