2026 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools
Looking for the best-value Physical Sciences programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1522 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Physical Sciences Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Brigham Young University Provo to be the best-value Physical Sciences school in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $12,184. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $24,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Illinois State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wyoming earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $23,700. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,700 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #4 on this year's best-value Physical Sciences ranking in the United States. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,058. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $25,058 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Out of the 1522 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Delaware landed the #5 spot. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,581. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,581 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
University Of Houston placed #6 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $19,222. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $19,222 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Houston
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Physical Sciences students take on a median of $19,001 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $19,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Northern Illinois University placed #8 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Northern Illinois University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $23,537 in debt. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Texas Tech University placed #9 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $26,205. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $26,205 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas Tech University
University Of North Texas placed #10 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $22,351. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $22,351 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full University Of North Texas profile
Illinois Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,202. Illinois Institute Of Technology Physical Sciences students take on a median of $26,774 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,592 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
Ohio University Main Campus placed #12 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,828 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Wichita State University placed #13 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Wichita State University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about Wichita State University
Northeastern University placed #14 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Students borrow a median of $25,441 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,441 median debt. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. More on Northeastern University
California State University Long Beach ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $18,774. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $27,346. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
San Diego State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Students borrow a median of $18,730 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,730 median debt. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Read more about San Diego State University
University Of California Santa Barbara offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $17,108. University Of California Santa Barbara alumni report median earnings of $74,915 a decade after entry. Set against $17,108 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
University Of Nevada Reno placed #20 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Students borrow a median of $18,613 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,613 median debt. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $19,139 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,139 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Iowa State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,173 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $24,173 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on Iowa State University
Florida Atlantic University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,879 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,746. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Atlantic University has an acceptance rate of 66%. See the full Florida Atlantic University profile
Temple University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $24,000. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. More on Temple University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Physical Sciences Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
East Carolina University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Students borrow a median of $23,096 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,146 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,096 median debt. East Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on East Carolina University
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,352 in student loans. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,352 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
Cornell University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $15,465. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,465 median debt. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full Cornell University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $22,062 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $22,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #30 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $21,597 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $21,597 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $23,803 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $23,803 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
California State University Fullerton came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $17,583. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,951 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,583 median debt. California State University Fullerton has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about California State University Fullerton
Cleveland State University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Cleveland State University is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. Students from in state pay about $12,982 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Students borrow a median of $24,744 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $52,131 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cleveland State University admits about 91% of applicants. More on Cleveland State University
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $20,000. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
California State University Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $11,000. California State University Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $59,211 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Los Angeles
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. See the full Stanford University profile
The University Of Texas At El Paso offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in El Paso, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,923. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At El Paso
University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $16,298. University Of Nevada Las Vegas alumni report median earnings of $55,037 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of Louisiana Lafayette offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Lafayette, LA, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,418, compared with $24,146 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,373 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,089 ten years after entry. Set against $24,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Louisiana Lafayette
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Students borrow a median of $16,322 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College alumni report median earnings of $61,251 a decade after entry. Set against $16,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $21,669 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,669 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Arizona ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $23,539 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. Set against $23,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Arizona report
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $26,664. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
University Of Northern Colorado ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. Students from in state pay about $11,901 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Graduates carry a median of $26,617 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,231. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Colorado has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Northern Colorado profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $19,860 in student loans. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $19,568 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,568 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
California State University Northridge came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,202 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. Set against $16,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Northridge report
University Of New Orleans ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Set in New Orleans, LA, University Of New Orleans is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,172, while out-of-state students pay about $14,008. University Of New Orleans Physical Sciences students take on a median of $23,048 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,872. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of New Orleans
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,810 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,810 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
The University Of Texas At Arlington landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,950 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. Graduates carry a median of $24,506 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,199. That is a strong return on a $24,506 median debt. The University Of Texas At Arlington has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Arlington report
Best Value Physical Sciences Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Physical Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1522 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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