Membership Dues Categories

Discover dues options, member categories, and special rates designed to support your career and your connection to the scientific community.

Dues Categories

Regular Member (Premium and Standard Packages)

A person who has a degree, certification, or significant work history in a STEM field, or as a teacher of chemical science.

Society Affiliate (Premium and Standard Packages)

A person whose occupation directly concerns the practice of a chemical science but does not meet degree or work history requirements.

Graduate Student

A person who is a graduate student majoring in a chemical science or in a related field of natural science, engineering, technology, or science education at an appropriately accredited educational institution.

Undergraduate Student

A person who is an undergraduate student majoring in a chemical science or in a related field of natural science, engineering, technology, or science education at an appropriately accredited educational institution.

Retired

A person who has 30 or more years of paid ACS membership and is retired from full-time professional employment is entitled to a 50% discount on ACS national dues. 

Emeritus

A person who has 35 years or more of paid ACS membership and is retired from full-time professional employment is entitled to a 100% discount on ACS national dues.

Discounts

Emerging Economies Discount

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is excited to offer discounted dues to individuals residing in countries with emerging economies as defined by the World Bank. This initiative aims to expand access to the valuable resources and benefits of ACS membership for chemists worldwide.

Recent Graduates

Up to one year from the graduation date, a person who graduated with an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree in a chemical science or in a related field of natural science, engineering, technology, or science education from an appropriately accredited educational institution and is going into the workforce are entitled to a 50% discount on ACS national dues.  

National Service

A Regular Member, Undergraduate Student Member, Graduate Student Member, or Society Affiliate in the U.S. Armed Forces or other area of national service on temporary, full-time duty for a year or more are eligible for a 50% discount on ACS national dues for each year of service for up to four years.​

Unemployed Members 

After at least one year of paid membership Regular Members and Society Affiliates who become unemployed and are seeking full-time professional employment may be eligible to have their ACS national dues waived. 

Disability Discount 

ACS national dues may be waived for a Regular Member, Retired Member, Undergraduate Student Member, Graduate Student Member, or Society Affiliate with a long-term disability who has paid ACS dues for at least one year and can provide proof of disability. Requests must be made annually (proof not required after the first year).

Family Care Provider Discount 

After at least one year of paid membership, a Regular Member, Retired Member, Student Member, Graduate Student Member or Society Affiliate who has elected to discontinue full time professional employment or education because of long-term obligation as a family care-provider may request a 50% discount.  

Partner Organization Discounts

NOBCChE members may join ACS or renew their ACS membership at a significant discount.  NOBCChE student members receive a complimentary year of ACS membership (at the premium package level).  Non-student NOBCChE members receive 50% off an ACS membership at either the premium or standard package level.  Learn more.

AISES members may join ACS or renew their ACS membership at a significant discount.  AISES student members receive a complimentary year of ACS membership (at the premium package level).  Non-student AISES members receive 50% off an ACS membership at either the premium or standard package level.  Learn more on the ACS AISES Membership page.

AACT members may join ACS or renew their ACS membership at no cost. AACT members will have the option to add one year of ACS membership during the join or renewal online checkout process via the AACT website. Visit the Teach Chemistry site for more information.

SACNAS members may join ACS or renew their ACS membership at a significant discount. SACNAS student members receive a complimentary year of ACS membership (at the premium package level). SACNAS professional members including post-doctoral candidates, STEM trade, and retired receive 50% off an ACS membership at either the premium or standard package level. Learn more.

Please note, restrictions may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Membership & Packages

Who can join ACS?

Chemistry is foundational to all that we do and all that impacts us in the world. From enthusiasts, to students, to professionals, and beyond, there is a package for you.

The Basic Package is available to anyone with an interest in chemistry. There are no degree or other requirements. This package gives you a limited set of benefits at no cost and is an easy way to connect, engage, and learn with one of the largest, most prestigious scientific associations in the world. 

The Standard and Premium Packages are available to existing or prospective members that have a degree, certification, or significant work history in a STEM field, or as a teacher of chemical science. These options are also available for people whose occupation directly concerns the practice of a chemical science but do not meet degree or work history requirements.

Can I change or upgrade my package?

You may change your package during your renewal. If you decide not to remain a Member in good standing, you will be automatically transitioned to Community Associate status with the Basic Package. You can also upgrade your Basic or Standard package at any time.

Is membership yearly?

ACS Membership dues are billed on an annual basis. When joining or renewing, members may choose to purchase dues in one-, two-, or three-year terms.

2. Benefits & Access

How do I get my ACS journals?

To access your benefits, log-in with your ACS ID on the Publications website. Locate your article of interest and click on the PDF or HTML link for the article.

What is the difference between digital C&EN Magazine and C&EN Essential Newsletter?

The Standard Package automatically includes a digital-only delivery of C&EN and is identical to the print version of the magazine except digitally delivered to your inbox. Less paper and no need for a physical address.

The C&EN Essential Newsletter, included in the Basic Package, is a lighter version of the C&EN content with access to fewer articles. This keeps you up to date with the top articles each week at no cost.

In what format will I receive C&EN Magazine if I select the Premium Package?

Regular, Society Affiliates, Retired, and Emeritus Members who select the Premium Package have the option of digital access or print delivery of C&EN Magazine. There is an $85 surcharge for international print delivery.

Undergraduate and Graduate Students selecting the Premium Package receive digital access to C&EN Magazine. There is no option for purchasing a print subscription at an additional fee.

3. Discounts & Recognition

Do Retired, Emeritus, and 50-year members receive any sort of additional registration discount for ACS Meetings?

Yes. In recognition for their years of continued service, Retired and Emeritus Members will continue to receive reduced meeting registration fees. Additionally, 50-year members of ACS will continue to be able to register for ACS Meetings at no cost.

 

What is the member recognition program?

This program rewards members who have the Standard or Premium Package for designated years of service with the Society. Years 1-10, 15, and 25 are celebrated with a gift.

What if I am currently receiving a discount or waiver?

If you are currently utilizing a dues discount/waiver and need to inquire about renewing it, contact ACS Membership Services at service@acs.org or by calling 1-800-333-9511 (US and Canada) | 614-447-3776 (outside US and Canada)

4. Payments & Divisions

Can I pay for my membership via wire transfer?

For payment by wire transfer/ACH/EFT, please include any bank processing fees associated with your payment. All accounts are in the name of the American Chemical Society. Please direct payment to Membership Services.

For further banking information, please contact Membership Services via email at service@acs.org or by phone at 800-333-9511 (or) +1-614-447-3776 if outside the U.S.

 

How much does it cost to join a ACS Division?

Pricing varies by ACS Division. Visit the ACS Division webpage for more information. Please note additional postage charges may apply for mailings outside the U.S.  
Members who are joining ACS for the first time can join up to three Divisions at no cost for the first year.

5. Referrals & Support

Can I recruit new members to ACS?

ACS Members and Society Affiliates can recruit new members to join ACS and receive valuable rewards points that can be used to reduce the cost of renewing your membership. In addition, your recruit saves 10% automatically when they join using your referral link. Visit the Membership Referral Rewards information page to learn more: Membership Referral Program

 

Need to contact ACS Membership Services?

Phone: 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST
Toll Free in the U.S.: 1-800-333-9511
International: +1-614-447-3776

Email: service@acs.org

Ready to Join the American Chemical Society?

Choose your membership plan and start accessing exclusive benefits, networking opportunities, and professional resources today.
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