2026 Best Value Biological Physical Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Biological Physical Science programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 382 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Biological Physical Science Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Southwestern Illinois College, our #1 best-value Biological Physical Science school in the United States. Based in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,230, with out-of-state students paying around $6,720. Graduates carry a median of $6,196 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,884. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Southwestern Illinois College
You'll get strong value at Thomas Edison State College, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Trenton, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,838, compared with $8,856 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $14,531. Median earnings reach $69,331 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Thomas Edison State College
A rank of #3 makes Massasoit Community College one of the best values in the United States. Massasoit Community College is a public school based in Brockton, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,376, compared with $10,320 for out-of-state students. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $10,894. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,111. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Massasoit Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Elgin Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Elgin, IL, Elgin Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,252, with out-of-state students paying around $9,516. Graduates carry a median of $7,727 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,516 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Elgin Community College
A rank of #5 makes Highland Community College Freeport one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Freeport, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,936, compared with $7,360 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,783 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Highland Community College Freeport
San Jacinto Community College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $9,250 in student loans. San Jacinto Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,062 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,250 median debt. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College
Waubonsee Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Waubonsee Community College is a public school based in Sugar Grove, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $3,504, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,067 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,788 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,067 median debt. Read the full report on Waubonsee Community College
College Of The Redwoods placed #8 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Based in Eureka, CA, College Of The Redwoods is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,196, while out-of-state students pay about $8,852. College Of The Redwoods Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,243. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Get the full College Of The Redwoods report
Napa Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Napa, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,156, compared with $11,908 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,517. Read the full report on Napa Valley College
Harper College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Palatine, IL, Harper College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,894, with out-of-state students paying around $11,874. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $8,250. Harper College alumni report median earnings of $48,071 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Harper College
Lord Fairfax Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Middletown, VA, Lord Fairfax Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,072, while out-of-state students pay about $11,510. Graduates carry a median of $8,400 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,000 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,400 median debt. See the full Lord Fairfax Community College profile
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. Based in Richmond, VA, J Sargeant Reynolds Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,280, while out-of-state students pay about $11,718. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $10,948. J Sargeant Reynolds Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,529 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,948 median debt. Read more about J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
John Wood Community College placed #13 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. John Wood Community College is a public school based in Quincy, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,100, while out-of-state students pay about $8,700. Students borrow a median of $13,844 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Median earnings reach $38,631 ten years out. Set against $13,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about John Wood Community College
Riverside City College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Riverside, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,428 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,498. Riverside City College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $8,712 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,091 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,712 median debt. Read the full report on Riverside City College
Moraine Valley Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. Set in Palos Hills, IL, Moraine Valley Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,822, with out-of-state students paying around $9,846. Graduates carry a median of $6,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,892. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Moraine Valley Community College
City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,590, compared with $15,150 for out-of-state students. City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $8,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,962. Set against $8,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College
Evergreen Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,366 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,718. Evergreen Valley College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $12,981 in debt. Evergreen Valley College alumni report median earnings of $53,077 a decade after entry. Set against $12,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Evergreen Valley College report
University Of Northern Iowa placed #18 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. University Of Northern Iowa Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $22,635 in debt. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,635 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
Lincoln Land Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Lincoln Land Community College is a public school based in Springfield, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,744, with out-of-state students paying around $10,464. Lincoln Land Community College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $10,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,479 ten years after entry. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lincoln Land Community College profile
Victor Valley College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Victorville, CA, Victor Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,425, while out-of-state students pay about $10,125. Graduates carry a median of $9,205 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,119 ten years out. Set against $9,205 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Victor Valley College
Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Weyers Cave, VA, Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,646, while out-of-state students pay about $12,084. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $8,650. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,644 ten years after entry. Set against $8,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave
Joliet Junior College placed #22 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Located in Joliet, IL, Joliet Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,530, with out-of-state students paying around $13,800. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $6,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,889 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,500 median debt. Get the full Joliet Junior College report
Modesto Junior College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Modesto Junior College is a public school based in Modesto, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,282, while out-of-state students pay about $9,264. Students borrow a median of $9,036 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Median earnings reach $42,368 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,036 median debt. See the full Modesto Junior College profile
Sussex County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Newton, NJ, Sussex County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,544, compared with $9,024 for out-of-state students. Sussex County Community College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $10,750 in debt. Sussex County Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,664 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Sussex County Community College
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Biological Physical Science Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Mt San Jacinto Community College District came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Jacinto, CA, Mt San Jacinto Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,448, compared with $12,728 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $6,625. Mt San Jacinto Community College District alumni report median earnings of $38,319 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mt San Jacinto Community College District
Grand Valley State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Grand Valley State University report
Keck Graduate Institute came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Claremont, CA, Keck Graduate Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Keck Graduate Institute Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $19,250 in debt. Get the full Keck Graduate Institute report
Triton College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in River Grove, IL, Triton College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,070, with out-of-state students paying around $15,330. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $10,984. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,728. Set against $10,984 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Triton College report
Morton College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cicero, IL, Morton College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,884, while out-of-state students pay about $11,028. Graduates carry a median of $6,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,406 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,000 median debt. See the full Morton College profile
Lewis And Clark Community College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. Lewis And Clark Community College is a public school based in Godfrey, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,340, compared with $7,840 for out-of-state students. Lewis And Clark Community College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $8,315 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,724 ten years out. Set against $8,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lewis And Clark Community College report
American River College placed #32 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Set in Sacramento, CA, American River College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,288, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $14,400. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,162 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,400 median debt. Read the full report on American River College
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $24,161. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. Set against $24,161 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report
Northern Virginia Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. This public school is set in Annandale, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,891, while out-of-state students pay about $12,410. Northern Virginia Community College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $10,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,557 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. See the full Northern Virginia Community College profile
Illinois Valley Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Oglesby, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,200 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,385. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $6,363. Median earnings reach $40,810 ten years out. Set against $6,363 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Illinois Valley Community College
Texas Tech University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $24,271 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
Heartland Community College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Heartland Community College is a public school based in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,550, while out-of-state students pay about $13,110. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $11,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Heartland Community College report
Kishwaukee College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Malta, IL, Kishwaukee College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,560, compared with $13,680 for out-of-state students. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $9,407. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,657 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,407 median debt. Read more about Kishwaukee College
Touro College placed #39 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,052. Touro College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $20,285 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,419 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Touro College report
City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College placed #40 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College is a public school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,590, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $8,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,531. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College profile
The University Of Texas At San Antonio landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,326, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. Graduates carry a median of $23,312 in student loans. The University Of Texas At San Antonio alumni report median earnings of $57,131 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,312 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full The University Of Texas At San Antonio profile
University Of Houston Downtown offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Downtown is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,582, with out-of-state students paying around $17,434. University Of Houston Downtown Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $25,162 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,551 ten years after entry. Set against $25,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Houston Downtown profile
Mchenry County College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Crystal Lake, IL, Mchenry County College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,162 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,399. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $7,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,143 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt. Read the full report on Mchenry County College
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $25,120. Rutgers University New Brunswick alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,120 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Virginia Western Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Roanoke, VA, Virginia Western Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,400 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,838 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $7,334. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,787. Set against $7,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Virginia Western Community College profile
Thomas Nelson Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Hampton, VA, Thomas Nelson Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,088, compared with $11,526 for out-of-state students. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $10,400. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,996 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Thomas Nelson Community College
Tidewater Community College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. This public school is set in Norfolk, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,858, while out-of-state students pay about $12,296. Graduates carry a median of $9,787 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,349 ten years after entry. Set against $9,787 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Tidewater Community College
Rutgers University Newark came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Newark, NJ, Rutgers University Newark is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,250, compared with $36,762 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $25,065. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. Set against $25,065 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University Newark admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Rutgers University Newark
Stephen F Austin State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. This public school is set in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $24,759. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on Stephen F Austin State University
Rock Valley College placed #50 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Rockford, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,334, with out-of-state students paying around $7,379. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $6,632. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,158. Set against $6,632 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Rock Valley College
Best Value Biological Physical Science Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Biological Physical Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Biological Physical Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Biological Physical Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Biological Physical Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Biological Physical Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Biological Physical Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Biological Physical Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (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 382 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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