Best Chemical Engineering Schools

Before I entered my master's program, I remember feeling overwhelmed when it came to figuring out what school I wanted to go to. Between the hundreds of colleges and universities around the country to choose from and finding the one that worked best for my goals, I was way out of my element and didn't know where to begin.

I realized then that I needed something I didn't have: guidance. So, according to my academic pursuits, I built my own version of a "cheat sheet" for the best schools. And today, I did for you, too.

This article is all about the top chemical engineering programs around the U.S. As a researcher, I made sure to gather all the information you need to help you get through your journey, like:

• Rankings and tuition costs of different programs
• Program details for each college/university
• The role chemical engineering plays in society
• Factors to consider when choosing the best chemical engineering program for you

I know this can feel like a lot of information overall, so if you're feeling anxious, just relax and remain focused. I'll be your personal guide through these programs. Now, let's lock in and explore the best chemical engineering programs in the country!

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Top Chemical Engineering Schools in the US

Here is our list of the top chemical engineering schools in the country of 2025.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Ranking: #1 in the country
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Average cost of tuition: $61,990

Ranked as the #1 school in the United States for chemical engineering by the U.S. World Report, MIT is famous for its rigorous science and engineering programs, offering an innovative curriculum and some of the best research opportunities for chemical engineers.

2. California Institute of Technology

• Ranking: #2 in the country
• Location: Pasadena, California
• Average cost of tuition: $65,622

CalTech offers a highly competitive chemical engineering program that focuses on fundamental chemical engineering principles and cutting-edge research. The program is known for its focus on innovation.

CalTech is one of the more expensive engineering schools. Apply for engineering scholarships today to accrue funding for your degree!

3. Stanford University

• Ranking: #2 in the country (tied), #3 overall
• Location: Stanford, Connecticut
• Average cost of tuition: $21,709 (per quarter)

Stanford University's chemical engineering department prepares students in topics such as energy, thermodynamics, process design, and fluid mechanics.

4. University of California - Berkeley

• Ranking: #2 in the country (tied), #4 overall
• Location: Berkeley, California
• Average cost of tuition: $17,106

UC Berkeley has a competitive College of Chemistry with a faculty of award-winning academic professionals and active researchers who lead the next generation of chemical engineers into successful careers. Though UC Berkeley is the main campus, the university also has UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara campuses.

5. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

• Ranking: #5 in the country
• Location: Atlanta, Georgia
• Average cost of tuition: $10,774 (in-state); $34,174 (out-of-state)

Georgia Tech is a top school for chemical engineering in the South, with a strong reputation for research and industry connections. The program prepares graduates for successful careers in chemical engineering and academia.

6. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Ranking: #6 in the country
• Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota
• Average cost of tuition: $17,370 (in-state); $38,518

UM Twin Cities is a public land-grant research university that seeks new knowledge in leading chemical engineering practices to improve how society works. The program focuses on both theoretical learning and practical, hands-on experience through research, labs, and internships.

7. University of Texas at Austin

• Ranking: #7 in the country
• Location: Austin, Texas
• Average cost of tuition: $10,858-$13,576 (in-state); $40,582-$48,712 (out-of-state)

UT Austin is another top school with a highly regarded chemical engineering program. UT Austin provides students a convenient location and strong connection to the petroleum industry.

8. University of Wisconsin Madison

• Ranking: #11 in the country
• Location: Madison, Wisconsin
• Average cost of tuition: $11,606 (Wisconsin resident); $42,104 (out-of-state)

UW Madison is a prominent public research university in Madison, Wisconsin. UW Madison is known for its strong chemical engineering program, which covers core chemical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and reaction engineering.

Honorary Mention: Carnegie Mellon University

• Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Average cost of tuition: $67,020

Though not ranked by the U.S. News & World Report, Carnegie Mellon is another private institution known for its emphasis on foundational learning and innovative research. The program combines core chemical engineering principles with interdisciplinary approaches in areas like materials science, biotechnology, and energy.

On a related note, check out the best schools for biochemical engineering. These two fields often overlap, so if you're still trying to finalize your college major, take a look.

Chemical Engineering 101

Chemical engineering focuses on the design, optimization, and operation of processes that turn raw materials into valuable products. These processes include chemical, biological, physical, and mathematical processes. Chemical engineering combines key chemist principles from chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and economics to solve problems and improve industrial processes.

Chemical engineers also design processes, develop new chemical reactions, improve manufacturing systems, and prioritize and ensure safety and sustainability. Chemical engineers can apply their skills in various industries, such as:

• pharmaceuticals
• food and beverage
• energy

I know it all sounds complex, so let's review what it means.

Key Aspects of Chemical Engineering:

Chemical engineers play a key role in the development of new industrial processes, but it's important to understand how it works. Chemical engineers focus on:

1. Process, Design, and Optimization: Chemical engineers design and optimize industrial processes to convert raw materials into products efficiently, economically, and safely. This could involve the production of chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, food products, or materials.
2. Chemical Reactions: Chemical engineers study the rates at which reactions occur and design new reactors that maximize production while minimizing costs and energy.
3. Material and Energy Balance: Chemical engineers track the flow of materials (mass balance) and energy (energy balance) through a system to ensure efficient and sustainable operations.
4. Environmental Impact: Chemical engineers work to ensure that industrial processes are safe for people and the environment. This includes hazard analysis, designing for process safety, managing waste, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
5. Separation Processes: In many chemical processes, methods like distillation, filtration, and membrane filtration are used to separate materials based on their physical or chemical properties.

Professional Opportunities for Chemical Engineers

Getting your degree is only half the battle. After you graduate, knowing what to do with your degree is a different beast. Luckily for you, chemical engineers work in a variety of industries. Let's talk about it:

• Energy: Designing processes for oil refining, natural gas processing, biofuels, and renewable energy production.
• Pharmaceuticals: Creating processes for drug manufacturers.
• Food and Beverage: Designing processes that ensure food safety and quality and food preservation, packaging, and processing. The focus is on food products, food optimization, and processing techniques.
• Materials: Producing metals and other materials used in manufacturing.
• Manufacturing: Designing and implementing new manufacturing processes by optimizing production and ensuring quality control.

So, this means chemical engineers can have careers as:

• Process engineers
• Project engineers
• Biotechnologists
• Food engineers
• Design engineers
• Safety engineers
• Waste management officers

And more. Whether you're interested in the food or energy industries, chemical engineers have different niches to explore for a successful future.

Head over to our blog to read more about the best engineering schools in the country.

What to Expect from a Top Chemical Engineering School

Of course, your classroom experience at your university or grad school will vary depending on the institution, but all chemical engineering programs focus on the same key principles. Not only can students expect to focus on topics like thermodynamics, kinetics, and process design, but they can also expect:

• A rigorous academic schedule
• Time commitment
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, labs, and research centers.
• Access to hands-on experiences through internships, co-op programs, and research projects.
• A renowned faculty with experienced professors who are accomplished in their field.
• Opportunities for networking and career development.

Yes, you will have a lot of work on your hands, but the perks are also plentiful.

Choosing the Right Chemical Engineering Program

If I'm being honest, the "right" program is subjective per each student. Ideally, you'd want to choose a program that supports your career goals. However, you also want to consider factors like:

• Accreditation
• Academic reputation
• Faculty-student ratio
• Location
• Financial aid
• Research and practical opportunities
• Program specializations
• Campus culture

Even schools with co-op programs that can offer work experience and networking opportunities. So, while the "right program" for you should align with your aspirations, it should also support your academic goals.

For more opportunities for funding, check out some of Bold's exclusive scholarships today.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Chemical Engineering Schools

What college is best for chemical engineering?

According to the U.S. World Report, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the best school for chemical engineering. Of all the schools, MIT is known for its rigorous science and engineering programs. The school offers students an innovative curriculum and some of the best research opportunities for chemical engineers.

What do I do with my chemical engineering degree?

A chemical engineering degree can prepare you to work in different industries like the food and beverage, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, energy, and material industries. Depending on your degree concentration (i.e., material, food, safety, etc.), chemical engineers can make their way to a lucrative future.

How do I know which chemical engineering program is best for me?

Knowing which chemical engineering program is best for you is dependent on not only personal goals but academic goals, as well. So, you should consider factors like location, reputation, faculty, campus life, and financial aid. A program that encompasses strong foundations in both personal and academic preference is key.

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