2026 Best Value Physical Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Physical Sciences master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1522 institutions 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 build 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Physical Sciences master's degree schools in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Physical Sciences students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 1522 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Illinois State University landed the #2 spot. 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,875 in student loans. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Set against $24,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Illinois State University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University Kingsville earned it the #3 place in the United States. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,892 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,531. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Kingsville has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Illinois University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Illinois University report
You'll get strong value at University Of Wyoming, which ranked #5 this year. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. 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. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
University Of Houston ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. University Of Houston Physical Sciences students take on a median of $19,222 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Set against $19,222 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on University Of Houston
University Of Delaware placed #7 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. 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. That is a strong return on a $25,581 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $24,031. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Montclair State University report
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,058. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $25,058 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,001 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $19,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Northern Illinois University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $23,537 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
Texas Tech University placed #12 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $26,205. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $26,205 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of North Texas ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $22,351 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $22,351 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on University Of North Texas
Illinois Institute Of Technology landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,202 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,592. 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
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #15 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Students borrow a median of $10,500 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Pan American
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pomona, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $22,597. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,902. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. 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. Graduates carry a median of $23,828 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on Ohio University Main Campus
California State University Sacramento offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Sacramento, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $23,826. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,876 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Sacramento has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on California State University Sacramento
Wichita State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,532. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full Wichita State University report
Northeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,441. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,441 median debt. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. See the full Northeastern University profile
California State University Long Beach landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,774 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,774 median debt. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. More on California State University Long Beach
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,346 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,346 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,139 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile
San Diego State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Students borrow a median of $18,730 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $18,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Read the full report on San Diego State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Physical Sciences Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,803 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Nevada Reno offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Graduates carry a median of $18,613 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,614. Set against $18,613 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nevada Reno
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Florida Atlantic University placed #29 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,746 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Atlantic University has an acceptance rate of 66%. Get the full Florida Atlantic University report
East Carolina University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. East Carolina University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $23,096 in debt. East Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $55,146 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,096 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on East Carolina University
Temple University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on Temple University
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $17,108 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,915 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
Cornell University placed #33 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Cornell University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $15,465 in debt. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Set against $15,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about Cornell University
Iowa State University placed #34 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $24,173. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $24,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,062 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
University Of California Berkeley placed #36 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,352 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $13,352 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
California State University Fullerton ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Set in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,583 in student loans. California State University Fullerton alumni report median earnings of $62,951 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton
University Of Memphis placed #38 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. 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. See the full University Of Memphis profile
Cleveland State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Based in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $24,744. Cleveland State University alumni report median earnings of $52,131 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,744 median debt. Cleveland State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Cleveland State University
University Of Arizona placed #40 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Students borrow a median of $23,539 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. 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 has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full University Of Arizona report
California State University Los Angeles ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,164, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $11,000. Median earnings reach $59,211 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full California State University Los Angeles profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $21,597. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #43 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,923 ten years out. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At El Paso has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At El Paso
Stanford University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. 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. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stanford University report
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,298 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
University Of Louisiana Lafayette offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Lafayette, LA, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,418, with out-of-state students paying around $24,146. University Of Louisiana Lafayette Physical Sciences students take on a median of $24,373 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,089 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Louisiana Lafayette admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Louisiana Lafayette
Western Washington University placed #47 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $23,351. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Washington University
University Of Northern Colorado offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,901, with out-of-state students paying around $26,979. Students borrow a median of $26,617 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,231. That is a strong return on a $26,617 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Northern Colorado
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,664 in student loans. 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. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
Purdue University Main Campus placed #49 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $19,568. 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 admits about 50% of applicants. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Related Physical Sciences Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Doctoral 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).
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