2026 Best Value Physical Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Physical Sciences doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1522 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree reviewed schools to compile 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Brigham Young University Provo to be the best-value Physical Sciences school in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at University Of Wyoming, which ranked #2 this year. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $23,700. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. More on University Of Wyoming
You'll get strong value at University Of Delaware, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. University Of Delaware Physical Sciences students take on a median of $25,581 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Delaware
You'll get strong value at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Physical Sciences students take on a median of $19,001 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Set against $19,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
You'll get strong value at University Of Houston, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $19,222. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about University Of Houston
Northern Illinois University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $23,537 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,537 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Texas Tech University placed #7 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $26,205. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of North Texas landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. University Of North Texas Physical Sciences students take on a median of $22,351 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,351 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Illinois Institute Of Technology placed #9 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $26,774. Illinois Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,592 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Illinois Institute Of Technology profile
Northeastern University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $25,441 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Get the full Northeastern University report
University Of California Santa Barbara placed #11 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $17,108. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. That is a strong return on a $17,108 median debt. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. More on University Of California Santa Barbara
San Diego State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $18,730. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,730 median debt. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. More on San Diego State University
Ohio University Main Campus placed #13 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Students borrow a median of $23,828 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,828 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
Iowa State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,173 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $24,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on Iowa State University
University Of Nevada Reno offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Graduates carry a median of $18,613 in student loans. University Of Nevada Reno alumni report median earnings of $60,614 a decade after entry. Set against $18,613 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $27,346. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #17 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. 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. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Temple University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,727. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Temple University
Florida Atlantic University placed #19 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Florida Atlantic University is a public school based in Boca Raton, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Florida Atlantic University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,746. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Florida Atlantic University
University Of California Berkeley came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $13,352 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Physical Sciences students take on a median of $21,597 in debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,597 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,062 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Set against $22,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Cornell University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,465 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,465 median debt. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full Cornell University profile
Texas A And M University College Station placed #24 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $19,139 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,139 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Stanford University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Stanford University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $124,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Stanford University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Physical Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #26 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Students borrow a median of $26,664 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #27 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Graduates carry a median of $16,322 in student loans. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College alumni report median earnings of $61,251 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Students borrow a median of $21,669 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #28 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $19,819. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,923 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At El Paso report
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $16,298. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $23,803. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,803 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $19,860. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $19,568. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
University Of Maryland College Park placed #34 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $20,810. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Set against $20,810 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $26,405 in student loans. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,405 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #35 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public school based in Arlington, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. The University Of Texas At Arlington Physical Sciences students take on a median of $24,506 in debt. The University Of Texas At Arlington alumni report median earnings of $63,199 a decade after entry. Set against $24,506 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Arlington report
University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Students borrow a median of $16,387 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,943 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,387 median debt. University Of California San Diego has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
Northwestern University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Northwestern University alumni report median earnings of $89,363 a decade after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwestern University
Wake Forest University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,642 in tuition and fees. Wake Forest University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. Wake Forest University alumni report median earnings of $78,158 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 22%. Read the full report on Wake Forest University
University Of Utah came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $19,857 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. That is a strong return on a $19,857 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about University Of Utah
Kent State University At Kent offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Students borrow a median of $25,615 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,615 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile
University Of Arizona came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $23,539. University Of Arizona alumni report median earnings of $59,979 a decade after entry. Set against $23,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Portland State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Based in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Graduates carry a median of $26,033 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,906 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Portland State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Portland State University profile
Suny At Albany offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Albany, NY, Suny At Albany is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,601 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,991 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,252 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $67,979 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,252 median debt. Suny At Albany admits about 69% of applicants. Read the full report on Suny At Albany
University Of Massachusetts Lowell offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public school based in Lowell, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,966, compared with $36,264 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,023. University Of Massachusetts Lowell alumni report median earnings of $64,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,023 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Lowell admits about 83% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Lowell
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Students borrow a median of $22,482 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. University Of Illinois At Chicago alumni report median earnings of $68,740 a decade after entry. Set against $22,482 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full University Of Illinois At Chicago profile
University Of Missouri St Louis came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Louis, MO, University Of Missouri St Louis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,120, with out-of-state students paying around $37,620. Graduates carry a median of $25,943 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,037. That is a strong return on a $25,943 median debt. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Missouri St Louis profile
West Virginia University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. West Virginia University is a public school based in Morgantown, WV. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. West Virginia University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $24,016 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,939 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,016 median debt. West Virginia University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full West Virginia University report
Drexel University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $30,151. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,648. That is a strong return on a $30,151 median debt. Drexel University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Get the full Drexel University report
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $19,425. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Related Physical Sciences Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Physical Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.