How many colleges in California offer Chemistry programs?

CampusPin currently lists 263 U.S. colleges and universities in California that offer Chemistry programs. The list updates daily as institutions report new program offerings to IPEDS.

What's the tuition for a Chemistry program in California?

Among the 50 Chemistry programs listed in California, published in-state tuition ranges from $1,104 to $63,255 (median around $7,989). Public institutions are typically lower for in-state students than private ones. Always verify the current cost of attendance with each school before applying.

What jobs can a Chemistry degree lead to?

A Chemistry degree commonly leads to roles such as Pharmaceutical Researcher, Forensic Chemist, Materials Scientist, Environmental Chemist. Typical pay (early-career; BLS figures are occupation-wide medians): $54,000–$78,000 early-career (BLS chemist median $84,150).

Can I apply to a Chemistry program in California with the Common App?

Many Chemistry programs in California accept the Common Application. CampusPin tags each school's Common App acceptance, use the Common App filter on /results to narrow to programs you can apply to with one application.

Chemistry · California

Chemistry colleges in California

CampusPin lists 263 U.S. colleges in California that offer Chemistry programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Chemistry studies matter and its transformations, preparing graduates for pharmaceutical, materials, energy, environmental, and biotech careers, plus medical and graduate school.

Schools in California that offer Chemistry

Chemistry programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 263 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

263

Public / private

26 / 24

Universities / 2-year

44 / 6

Cities represented

In-state tuition range

$1,104–$63,255

Median in-state tuition

$7,989

Lowest published in-state tuition

Barstow Community College

$1,104

Most selective

California Institute of Technology

3% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

California State University-Fullerton

41,793 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Chemistry program

General, organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry
Biochemistry
Spectroscopy and instrumental analysis
Quantum chemistry and thermodynamics
Lab techniques (synthesis, NMR, mass spec, chromatography)
Calculus, differential equations, physics
Senior research thesis

Where a Chemistry degree can lead

Pharmaceutical Researcher
Forensic Chemist
Materials Scientist
Environmental Chemist
PhD Chemist (academia or industry)
Pre-medicine pathway → MD/DO

Typical pay: $54,000–$78,000 early-career (BLS chemist median $84,150)

A Chemistry major covers general, organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry. Most BS programs require additional math (calculus, differential equations) and physics, plus extensive lab work. ACS-certified programs meet the American Chemical Society standard for graduate-school readiness. Common concentrations include Biochemistry, Materials, Environmental, and Forensic.

Chemistry graduates work in pharmaceutical R&D, materials science, energy, environmental analysis, forensic labs, and medical school. The major pairs naturally with Biology (for biochemistry and pre-med) or Physics (for materials).

Chemistry in other states

Other majors in California

Find more Chemistry schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 263+ Chemistry programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

Search Chemistry schools in California About the Chemistry major All colleges in California

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