2026 Best Value Biological Physical Science Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Biological Physical Science associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 382 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Southwestern Illinois College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Belleville, IL, Southwestern Illinois College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,230, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. Southwestern Illinois College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $6,196 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,884 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southwestern Illinois College report
Out of the 382 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Massasoit Community College landed the #2 spot. Massasoit Community College is a public school based in Brockton, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,376, while out-of-state students pay about $10,320. Graduates carry a median of $10,894 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,111 ten years after entry. Set against $10,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Massasoit Community College
You'll get strong value at Elgin Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Elgin, IL, Elgin Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,252 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,516 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $7,727. Elgin Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,516 a decade after entry. Set against $7,727 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Elgin Community College report
You'll get strong value at Thomas Edison State College, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Trenton, NJ, Thomas Edison State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,838, compared with $8,856 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,531 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,331 ten years out. Set against $14,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Thomas Edison State College
Highland Community College Freeport came in at #5 on this year's best-value Biological Physical Science ranking in the United States. Set in Freeport, IL, Highland Community College Freeport is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,936, while out-of-state students pay about $7,360. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $13,783. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about 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 average $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. San Jacinto Community College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $9,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,062 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full San Jacinto Community College profile
Waubonsee Community College placed #7 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Located in Sugar Grove, IL, Waubonsee Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Median earnings reach $44,788 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Waubonsee Community College profile
College Of The Redwoods landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Eureka, CA, College Of The Redwoods is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,196, while out-of-state students pay about $8,852. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. College Of The Redwoods alumni report median earnings of $36,243 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on College Of The Redwoods
Napa Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Napa, CA, Napa Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,156, with out-of-state students paying around $11,908. Median earnings reach $49,517 ten years out. Read more about 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. Students borrow a median of $8,250 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,071 ten years after entry. Set against $8,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Harper College profile
Lord Fairfax Community College placed #11 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Lord Fairfax Community College is a public school based in Middletown, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,072, while out-of-state students pay about $11,510. Lord Fairfax Community College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $8,400 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,000 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lord Fairfax Community College report
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Richmond, VA, J Sargeant Reynolds Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,280 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,718. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $10,948. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,529. Set against $10,948 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. 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. This public school is set in Quincy, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,100, compared with $8,700 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $13,844. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,631. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full John Wood Community College profile
Riverside City College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Riverside, CA, Riverside City College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,428, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $8,712. Median earnings reach $41,091 ten years out. Set against $8,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Riverside City College
City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $8,250. Median earnings reach $37,962 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full City Colleges Of Chicago Richard J Daley College report
Moraine Valley Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Palos Hills, IL, Moraine Valley Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,822, compared with $9,846 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $6,500. Median earnings reach $43,892 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,500 median debt. See the full Moraine Valley Community College profile
Evergreen Valley College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Jose, CA, Evergreen Valley College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,366 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,718. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $12,981. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,077. Set against $12,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Evergreen Valley College
Lincoln Land Community College placed #18 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Lincoln Land Community College is a public school based in Springfield, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $3,744, compared with $10,464 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Median earnings reach $38,479 ten years out. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lincoln Land Community College profile
Victor Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Victor Valley College is a public school based in Victorville, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,425, with out-of-state students paying around $10,125. Victor Valley College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $9,205 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,119 ten years out. Set against $9,205 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Victor Valley College
Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. Based in Weyers Cave, VA, Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,646, with out-of-state students paying around $12,084. Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $8,650 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,644 ten years out. Set against $8,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave
Joliet Junior College placed #21 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 run about $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. Set against $6,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Joliet Junior College
Modesto Junior College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Modesto, CA, Modesto Junior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,282, while out-of-state students pay about $9,264. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $9,036. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,368. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Modesto Junior College
Sussex County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Newton, NJ, Sussex County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,544 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,024 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $10,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,664 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Sussex County Community College
Mt San Jacinto Community College District landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Mt San Jacinto Community College District is a public school based in San Jacinto, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,448 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,728. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $6,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,319. Set against $6,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Mt San Jacinto Community College District report
Triton College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in River Grove, IL, Triton College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,070, compared with $15,330 for out-of-state students. The median Biological Physical Science program 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. Read more about Triton College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Biological Physical Science Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Morton College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Morton College is a public school based in Cicero, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,884 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,028. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $6,000. Morton College alumni report median earnings of $42,406 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,000 median debt. See the full Morton College profile
Lewis And Clark Community College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Godfrey, IL, Lewis And Clark Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,340, compared with $7,840 for out-of-state students. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $8,315. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,724. That is a strong return on a $8,315 median debt. Read more about Lewis And Clark Community College
American River College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sacramento, CA, American River College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,288, compared with $12,616 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,400 in student loans. 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. More on American River College
Northern Virginia Community College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Annandale, VA, Northern Virginia Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,891 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,410 for out-of-state students. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $10,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,557. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northern Virginia Community College
Illinois Valley Community College placed #30 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Oglesby, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,200, with out-of-state students paying around $16,385. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $6,363. Median earnings reach $40,810 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,363 median debt. Read the full report on Illinois Valley Community College
Heartland Community College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Normal, IL, Heartland Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,550 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,110 for out-of-state students. Heartland Community College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Heartland Community College
Kishwaukee College placed #32 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Based in Malta, IL, Kishwaukee College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,560 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,680 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,407 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,657. That is a strong return on a $9,407 median debt. See the full Kishwaukee College profile
City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College is a public school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,590 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Graduates carry a median of $8,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,531 ten years after entry. Set against $8,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full City Colleges Of Chicago Harold Washington College profile
Mchenry County College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Crystal Lake, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,162, compared with $14,399 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $7,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,143. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mchenry County College
Virginia Western Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Roanoke, VA, Virginia Western Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,400 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,838. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $7,334. Median earnings reach $38,787 ten years out. Set against $7,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Virginia Western Community College
Tidewater Community College ranked #36 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. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $9,787. 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. Get the full Tidewater Community College report
Thomas Nelson Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. Located in Hampton, VA, Thomas Nelson Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,526 for out-of-state students. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $10,400. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,996. Set against $10,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Thomas Nelson Community College report
Rock Valley College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Rockford, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,334, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Get the full Rock Valley College report
Parkland College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. Parkland College is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,284, while out-of-state students pay about $13,266. Graduates carry a median of $8,628 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,320 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Parkland College report
City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College placed #40 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a public school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Graduates carry a median of $5,583 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,625 ten years out. Set against $5,583 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College
Lake Land College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mattoon, IL, Lake Land College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,415, while out-of-state students pay about $14,301. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $7,769. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,877. Set against $7,769 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lake Land College
Sauk Valley Community College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. This public school is set in Dixon, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $5,340, while out-of-state students pay about $12,900. Graduates carry a median of $12,811 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,458 ten years after entry. Set against $12,811 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Sauk Valley Community College
City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $8,965 in debt. Median earnings reach $32,427 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on City Colleges Of Chicago Malcolm X College
City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,590, with out-of-state students paying around $15,150. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College alumni report median earnings of $28,467 a decade after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College report
Norco College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. This public school is set in Norco, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,428, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $8,203. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,206 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,203 median debt. Get the full Norco College report
Cornell University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. Read the full report on Cornell University
Oklahoma Panhandle State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Read the full report on Oklahoma Panhandle State University
San Diego Mesa College placed #48 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. See the full San Diego Mesa College profile
University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chaffey College
Chaffey College placed #50 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Read more about Chaffey College
Related Biological Physical Science Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Biological Physical Science Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Biological Physical Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Biological Physical Science Undergraduate Certificate 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. 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 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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