Best Chemical Engineering Schools in the World

Chemical engineering is a fascinating and rewarding career path that offers very good compensation. Being a chemical engineer is quite tasking and challenging.

However, if you choose the right school for this course, then you’d be on your high way to career success.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best Chemical Engineering Schools where you can acquire your training.

So, relax and read through. This article seeks to summarize the chemical engineering profession and the best educational paths available.

Also, it will explain what students can expect from each best chemical engineering school and more importantly, its cost, job outlook, salary, and all requirements on how to become a chemical engineer.

Meanwhile, see the table of content for an overview of what to expect in this article.

What is Chemical Engineering?

Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering which uses the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and economics to efficiently use, produce, design, transport and transform energy and materials.

The work of a chemical engineer can range from the utilization of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in the laboratory to large-scale industrial processes that transform chemicals, raw materials, living cells, microorganisms, and energy into valuable forms and products.

Furthermore, Chemical engineers are required in several aspects of plant design and operation, including safety and hazard assessments, process design and analysis, modeling, control engineering, chemical reaction engineering, nuclear engineering, biological engineering, construction specification, and operating instructions.

Lastly, Chemical engineers basically hold a degree in Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering. Practicing engineers may have professional certification and be accredited members of a professional body.

Bodies such as the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) or the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). A degree in chemical engineering is undeviatingly linked with all the other engineering disciplines, to various extents.

Why should I Study Chemical Engineering?

Well, there are numerous reasons you should choose the career path by studying chemical engineering. Firstly, Chemical Engineers have the knowledge to save the world: chemical engineers produce products that make life easier and better for everyone.

The products you will produce as a chemical engineer are part of everyday life, examples include; pharmaceuticals, fuels, plastics, and vehicles. Hence, you can even help decrease starvation, diseases, and poverty with your products.

Secondly, the development of soft skills: the work of chemical engineers is quite challenging and covers a rather comprehensive body of knowledge. You will be equipped to think logically, creatively and in an innovative way as well as to communicate and work well with others to solve problems.

Finally, good job opportunities: Basically, because of their expertise in developing products commercially, e.g. by lessening costs and the time needed to conclude processes, chemical engineers can generally expect high salaries when invading the labor market.

How can I become a Chemical Engineer?

To become a chemical engineer, you will need, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. These degrees usually take about four years to complete and demand a high school diploma to enter. Admitted students will have a strong background in topics like biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, and calculus.

While enrolled, you will develop your creative and analytical skills besides your theoretical knowledge of the discipline. Hands-on experience is highly valued by employers so most bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering will involve internships or cooperative learning programs as well.

What is the job outlook for a chemical engineer?

The employment of chemical engineers is predicted to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2028, about as fast as the normal for all occupations. Request for chemical engineers’ services depends extensively on demand for the products of different manufacturing industries.

How much does a chemical engineer make?

A Chemical Engineer’s wage can range from 72000 and 108000 based on tenure level. Chemical Engineers will most likely receive salaries of $95,200 per year.

Chemical Engineers can make the highest salaries in Alaska, where they make a salary of about $125, 820. People in this chemical engineering career path can make the highest salaries in Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction, where they can earn average wages of $115,550.

Can I study chemical engineering online?

Accredited online chemical engineering degrees are offered by 19 colleges and are available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate levels. However, chemical engineering incorporates, applies math and science principles to problems that arise in the production of drugs, food, fuel, chemicals, and other products.

Those who choose to pursue this degree path must have a strong grasp of math, science, and engineering principles, and enjoy solving complicated problems. 

Prospective online chemical engineering students should attend a school that has gained both regional and Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology accreditation. Accreditation at both the regional and programmatic levels assists to ensure that the education students receive is relevant and meets national standards.

What are the best chemical engineering schools in the world?

Do you wish to study chemical engineering but confused about which school to enroll in? Well, here is a hack for you. I have carefully compiled a list of the best chemical engineering schools in the world. In each ranking, you’ll see the yearly tuition, as well as our College Choice Score, which is computed based on each school’s reputation, the department’s reputation, and the school’s return on investment.

Importantly, we’ve extracted a list of schools that offer the best cost, reputation, and effectiveness in the job market. So, if you’re looking for a school in which to study chemical engineering, our list will guide you properly to avoid regret.

You don’t like chemicals? Try Mechanical Engineering. Here are the best schools for mechanical engineering.

The Best Chemical Engineering Schools are

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • University of California–Berkeley
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • University of Texas–Austin
  • Stanford University
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison
  • University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
  • California Institute of Technology
  • University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
  • University of Delaware

#1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private institution founded in 1861. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,602. Its setting is urban, and the campus size is 166 acres.

It utilizes a 4-1-4-based academic calendar. Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranks number 3 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities.

Its tuition fees are $53,790.

Located outside Boston in Cambridge, Massachusetts, MIT concentrates on scientific and technological research and is divided into five schools.

University research expenditures have exceeded $700 million a year, with funding from government agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense.

MIT’s profoundly ranked graduate schools include the School of Engineering and Sloan School of Management, besides strong programs in economics, psychology, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics, and mathematics.

Freshmen are expected to live on campus, and about 70 percent of all undergraduates live on campus. Architect Steven Holl designed one dorm, commonly called “The Sponge.”

Distinguished alumni include Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and former Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Ben Bernanke.

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#2. University of California–Berkeley

University of California—Berkeley is a public institution founded in 1868. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 30,853, and the campus size is 1,232 acres. It uses a semester-based academic calendar.

The University of California-Berkeley’s ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #22. Its in-state tuition and fees are $14,184; out-of-state tuition and fees are $43,176.

The University of California-Berkeley often referred to as Cal, is situated overlooking San Francisco Bay. Basically, 95 percent or more of freshmen at Berkeley choose to live on campus.

There are over 1,000 student organizations, varying from political groups to a hang gliding club and everything in between. Berkeley also has a thriving Greek life with dozens of fraternity and sorority chapters.

The California Golden Bears, Berkeley’s athletic teams, play in the Pac-12 Conference and are known for their traditional arch rivalry with Stanford University.

Berkeley has 14 schools and colleges, including several graduate and professional schools, such as the School of Optometry and the Graduate School of Journalism.

Other graduate programs offered include those in the highly ranked School of Business, Graduate School of Education, College of Engineering, and School of Law.

Berkeley is well known as a hub of liberal student activism. Notable alumni include former U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren, Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley and actor John Cho, known for his role in the “Harold and Kumar” films. Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, who worked on the development of the atomic bomb as scientific director of the Manhattan Project during World War II, was a professor at Berkeley.

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#3. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology is a public institution founded in 1885. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,049, and the campus size is 400 acres. It uses a semester-based academic calendar.

Georgia Institute of Technology ranks 29 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities. Its in-state tuition fees are $12,682; out-of-state tuition fees are $33,794.

Furthermore, in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia Tech offers a wide range of student activities. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, an NCAA Division I team, race in the Atlantic Coast Conference and have a fierce competition with the University of Georgia.

Since 1961, the football team has been led onto the field at home games by the Ramblin’ Wreck, a restored 1930 Model A Ford Sport Coupe.

Georgia Tech has a small but vibrant Greek community. Freshmen are offered accommodation but aren’t required to live on campus. Besides its campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia Tech has campuses in France, Ireland, Costa Rica, Singapore, and China.

More also, Georgia Tech has six colleges. Its extremely ranked graduate schools include the College of Engineering and Scheller College of Business. Georgia Tech is highly active in research.

Hence, the Georgia Tech Research Institute conducts government and industry research, and the school’s efforts are key to the Georgia Research Alliance, which plays a role in the state’s economic development strategy.

Finally, Famous alumni include Mike Duke, former president and CEO of Walmart; Bobby Jones, founder of The Master’s golf tournament; and former professional baseball player Nomar Garciaparra. John Heisman was Georgia Tech’s first full-time football coach, and the Heisman Memorial Trophy was named in his honor.

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#4. University of Texas–Austin

University of Texas—Austin is a public institution founded in 1883. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 40,804, and the campus size is 437 acres.

It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Also, the University of Texas—Austin ranks 48 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities. Its in-state tuition fees are $10,818; out-of-state tuition fees are $38,228.

Furthermore, the University of Texas—Austin is one of the biggest schools in the nation. It’s divided into 18 schools and colleges, the biggest of which is the College of Liberal Arts.

It also has profoundly ranked good positions in graduate programs, including the McCombs School of Business, Cockrell School of Engineering and School of Nursing. Students can engage in over 1,300 clubs and organizations or in the sizable UT Greek system.

In addition, the university has many student media outlets, and its sports teams are notorious competitors in the Division I Big 12 Conference.

UT also offers hundreds of study abroad programs, with the most popular destinations being Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and China. Freshmen do not have to live on campus.

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#5. Stanford University

Stanford University is a private institution founded in 1885. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,087, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 8,180 acres. It uses a quarter-based academic calendar. Stanford University ranks number 6 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities. Its tuition fees are $53,529.

Furthermore, Stanford University’s pristine campus is located in California’s Bay Area, about 30 miles from San Francisco. Stanford gives a broad range of student organizations, including the Stanford Pre-Business Association and Stanford Solar Car Project, which designs, builds and races a solar car every two years.

Moreso, the Stanford Cardinal is well known for the traditional “Big Game” against Cal, an annual football competition that awards the Stanford Axe — a sought-after trophy – to the victor. Stanford also has successful programs in tennis and golf.

Only freshmen are required to live on campus, but students are guaranteed housing for all four years and may choose to remain on campus. Greek life at Stanford represents approximately 25 percent of the student body.

Finally, Four of Stanford University’s seven schools offer undergraduate and graduate coursework, and the remaining three serve as purely graduate schools. Graduate programs include the highly ranked School of Education, School of Engineering, School of Law, School of Medicine, and Graduate School of Business.

Stanford alumni include former U.S. President Herbert Hoover, Hall of Fame NFL quarterback John Elway, actress Sigourney Weaver and golfer Tiger Woods, who played collegiately at Stanford.

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Also, check this: Best Geology Schools in the World

#6. University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin—Madison is a public institution founded in 1848. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,648, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 936 acres.

It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. The University of Wisconsin—Madison’s ranks number 46 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities. Its in-state tuition is $10,725; out-of-state tuition is $37,785.

University of Wisconsin—Madison lies along the southern shore of Lake Mendota in the city of Madison. The Wisconsin Badgers play in over 20 NCAA Division I sports and are part of the Big Ten Conference. Students can get involved in nearly 900 organizations on campus.

There is also an active Greek life and social scene on campus, clear in Wisconsin’s reputation as one of the top party schools in the country.

Freshmen are not required to live on campus, but many choose to do so. Students can opt to live in one of several residential communities where they learn and live with other students and faculty.

The University of Wisconsin—Madison’s highly ranked graduate schools include the School of Education, Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, College of Engineering, School of Business, School of Medicine, and Public Health and Law School. Notable Wisconsin alumni include renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly and author Joyce Carol Oates.

Other past students include former Vice President Dick Cheney, aviator Charles Lindbergh, naturalist John Muir and architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

In addition, this is one of the best chemical engineering schools to attend.

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#7. University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign is a public institution founded in 1867. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 33,915, its set in a city, and the campus size is 1,783 acres. It uses a semester-based academic calendar.

The University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign ranks 48 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities. Its in-state tuition is $16,210; out-of-state tuition is $33,352.

This University is in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign in east-central Illinois, only a few hours from Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. The school’s Fighting Illini competes in over 20 NCAA Division I varsity sports and is part of the Big Ten Conference.

The university is one of the largest Greek systems in the country and almost a quarter of the student body is involved. It’s not hard to find something to do on campus with over 1,600 student organizations, including professional, political, and philanthropic clubs. All freshmen are required to live on campus.

The University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign comprises 15 colleges and schools. Its School of Information Sciences, College of Engineering, and Department of Psychology are among the best in the country. The school’s College of Business, Education, and Law are also highly ranked.

According to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the University of Illinois is considered a school with the highest level of research activity.

Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic Roger Ebert and the co-founder of YouTube, Steve Chen.

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#8. California Institute of Technology

California Institute of Technology is a private institution founded in 1891. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 948, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 124 acres.

It utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. California Institute of Technology ranks number 12 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities. Its tuition is $54,600.

Caltech concentrates on science and engineering and is located in Pasadena, California, approximately 11 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Social and academic life at Caltech centers on 11 student residences and houses, which the school describes as “self-governing living groups.”

Student houses combine an admired Caltech tradition: dinners served by student waiters. Only freshmen must live on campus, but over 80% of students remain in their house for all four years.

The Caltech Beavers have several NCAA Division III teams that compete in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Integral to student life is the Honor Code, which dictates that “No member of the Caltech community shall take unlawful benefit of any other member of the Caltech community.”

In addition to its undergraduate studies, Caltech grants top graduate programs in engineering and fields of science including biology, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, mathematics, and physics.

Caltech produces significant research, getting grants from institutions such as NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Health and Human Services, among others. Close to 90% of undergraduate students take part in research while earning their degree.

Caltech maintains a strong tradition of pranking with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, another top-ranked science and technology university. Companies such as Intel, Compaq and Hotmail were founded by Caltech alumni. Famous film director Frank Capra also graduated from Caltech.

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#9. University of Minnesota–Twin Cities

University of Minnesota—Twin Cities is a public institution founded in 1851. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 34,633, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 1,204 acres. Its in-state tuition and fees are $15,027; out-of-state tuition and fees are $33,325.

The University of Minnesota stretches across a major city – or two, to be exact. Minneapolis and St. Paul, known as the Twin Cities, are frequently recognized for sports, cleanliness and volunteerism.

The school has a campus in each city, though the Minneapolis site is deemed the main campus of the University of Minnesota.

Freshmen do not have to live on campus, but over 80 percent who choose to can opt to live in traditional residence halls. or one of over two dozen Living Learning communities, such as the Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives House and La Casa De Español.

Also on campus are over 600 student organizations, including over 30 fraternities and sororities. The Minnesota Golden Gophers compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, and all athletic events are held in the Minneapolis campus’s Stadium Village neighborhood.

Under the Four-Year Graduation Plan, the university ensures that all necessary classes will be available for students to achieve their degrees on time. The university will pay for the extra credits if courses are unavailable in an undergraduate’s four years of schooling.

Some university applicants will even be guaranteed the opportunity to research when they receive their acceptance letters, and undergraduate researchers are paid for their work. Notable alumni of the University of Minnesota include former U.S. Vice Presidents Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale, pianist Yanni and journalist Rick Sanchez.

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#10. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware is a public institution founded in 1743. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,117, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 1,996 acres. It utilizes a 4-1-4-based academic calendar.

The University of Delaware’s ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #91. Its in-state tuition and fees are $13,680; out-of-state tuition and fees are $34,310.

It pays to live in the state for students interested in attending the University of Delaware. The University of Delaware accepts all Delaware residents whose academic documents predict success, and about 65 percent who apply will be accepted.

About half (45-55 percent) of all out-of-state applicants are admitted. For all admitted, there are over 400 student clubs and organizations on downtown Newark’s lush campus.

Approximately 20 percent of students are involved in the school’s large Greek system, which has about 40 fraternities and sororities.

The Fightin’ Blue Hens sports teams, named after a Delaware Revolutionary War battalion with the same nickname, compete in the NCAA Division I Colonial Athletic Association.

Freshmen must live on campus unless they shuttle from a parent’s local home. When students want to depart campus, Wilmington is about 12 miles away. Philadelphia is a 45-mile drive and Baltimore is 55 miles away.

Furthermore, the University of Delaware gives over 150 graduate degree programs, including some through the highly ranked School of Education and College of Engineering.

In addition, the University of Delaware receives federal funding for research in all three areas. Notable University of Delaware alumni include U.S. Vice President Joe Biden; Robert Gore, the inventor of Gore-Tex; and Chuck Lewis, founder of the Center for Public Integrity.

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Conclusion: Best Chemical Engineering Schools

Chemical engineering is a fascinating yet rewarding career path that offers excellent compensation and interesting work. To become a chemical engineer, though, is challenging.

You must attain the proper educational requirements, gain certain experience, and commit yourself to a job search.

Hence, if you’re pursuing a career in chemical engineering, we have compiled a list of the best chemical engineering schools in the world to aid your search.

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