2026 Best Value Biological Physical Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Biological Physical Science bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Biological Physical Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Thomas Edison State College, our #1 best-value Biological Physical Science school in the United States. Set in Trenton, NJ, Thomas Edison State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,838, compared with $8,856 for out-of-state students. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $14,531. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,331. That is a strong return on a $14,531 median debt. See the full Thomas Edison State College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Northern Iowa earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Graduates carry a median of $22,635 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,177 ten years after entry. Set against $22,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Florida Main Campus earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $21,829. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Grand Valley State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,118. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants. Get the full Grand Valley State University report
Out of the 382 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #5 spot. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. 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. That is a strong return on a $24,161 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report
The University Of Texas At San Antonio landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public school based in San Antonio, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,326, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. The University Of Texas At San Antonio Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $23,312 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,131 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,312 median debt. The University Of Texas At San Antonio has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on The University Of Texas At San Antonio
University Of Houston Downtown placed #7 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. University Of Houston Downtown is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $7,582, with out-of-state students paying around $17,434. Students borrow a median of $25,162 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,551. That is a strong return on a $25,162 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Houston Downtown
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $24,850. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
Florida Atlantic University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. Set in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,212 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Atlantic University has an acceptance rate of 66%. More on Florida Atlantic University
Florida International University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Miami, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $19,349. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $19,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants. More on Florida International University
Fort Hays State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Hays, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $25,967. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,928 ten years after entry. Set against $25,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fort Hays State University profile
Texas Tech University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,419 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Median earnings reach $51,019 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
University Of Southern Indiana came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. University Of Southern Indiana is a public school based in Evansville, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,066, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. Students borrow a median of $21,999 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. University Of Southern Indiana alumni report median earnings of $47,605 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,999 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full University Of Southern Indiana profile
Eastern Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. Graduates carry a median of $28,781 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,793 ten years out. Set against $28,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on Eastern Michigan University
Dominican University placed #17 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $38,828. Students borrow a median of $26,236 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,327 ten years after entry. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dominican University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Dominican University
University Of Alaska Anchorage placed #18 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Set in Anchorage, AK, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,738, with out-of-state students paying around $21,322. University Of Alaska Anchorage Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $17,354 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,871 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Alaska Anchorage
Washington State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $19,500. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about Washington State University
Stony Brook University placed #20 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Set in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,931 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $20,537. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,502. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Stony Brook University report
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $23,659. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
Cuny Hunter College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $10,348. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,163 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,348 median debt. About 54% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cuny Hunter College profile
University Of Notre Dame came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit school based in Notre Dame, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $99,980 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Notre Dame
Cambridge College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,378. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $29,776. Cambridge College alumni report median earnings of $45,998 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,776 median debt. Read the full report on Cambridge College
University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Greensburg, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,710, while out-of-state students pay about $26,584. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $66,125 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg profile
Portland State University placed #26 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Based in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Graduates carry a median of $27,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,906 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Portland State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Biological Physical Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. This public school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,125. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus has an acceptance rate of 58%. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
New College Of Florida landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Sarasota, FL, New College Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,916 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,944. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,082. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about New College Of Florida
Western Washington University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. Based in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $19,574. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,569 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western Washington University
Middle Tennessee State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. This public school is set in Murfreesboro, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Graduates carry a median of $17,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,541. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%. More on Middle Tennessee State University
The Evergreen State College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Olympia, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,264, with out-of-state students paying around $31,905. Graduates carry a median of $22,346 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,320. That is a strong return on a $22,346 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full The Evergreen State College report
Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Richmond, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,720 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Graduates carry a median of $26,975 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,128 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants. More on Virginia Commonwealth University
University Of Oregon offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. University Of Oregon is a public school based in Eugene, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. University Of Oregon Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $22,917 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,324. That is a strong return on a $22,917 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Oregon report
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. University Of Georgia Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $20,600 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full University Of Georgia profile
University Of West Alabama came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. University Of West Alabama is a public school based in Livingston, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,990, with out-of-state students paying around $20,090. University Of West Alabama Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $31,894 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,232. Set against $31,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. See the full University Of West Alabama profile
Whitworth University placed #36 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Located in Spokane, WA, Whitworth University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,880. Students borrow a median of $25,990 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Whitworth University alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Whitworth University
Rutgers University Camden landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Camden, NJ, Rutgers University Camden is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,764, while out-of-state students pay about $37,276. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $24,577. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. Set against $24,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Rutgers University Camden report
Michigan State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $25,213. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Michigan State University
Bard College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Bard College is a private not-for-profit school based in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,436. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $46,543 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bard College profile
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. Set in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $26,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,273. Set against $26,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus report
Saint Anselm College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Manchester, NH, Saint Anselm College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,920 in tuition and fees. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,371 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Saint Anselm College
University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Median earnings reach $71,631 ten years out. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Amherst has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
New York University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Biological Physical Science schools. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,509 ten years after entry. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on New York University
Georgetown University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,089. Graduates carry a median of $14,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,494 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 13% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Georgetown University report
Virginia Wesleyan College placed #45 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. Virginia Wesleyan College is a private not-for-profit school based in Virginia Beach, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,500. Students borrow a median of $27,925 to complete their Biological Physical Science program here. Virginia Wesleyan College alumni report median earnings of $50,074 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,925 median debt. Virginia Wesleyan College has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Virginia Wesleyan College profile
University Of Puget Sound placed #46 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. University Of Puget Sound is a private not-for-profit school based in Tacoma, WA. Students from in state pay about $62,898 in tuition and fees. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $26,629. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,594 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,629 median debt. University Of Puget Sound has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full University Of Puget Sound profile
Fordham University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,470. The median Biological Physical Science program debt is $24,250. Median earnings reach $85,569 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read more about Fordham University
The New School came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $58,730 in tuition and fees. Typical Biological Physical Science student debt is $24,460. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,901 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The New School has an acceptance rate of 64%. See the full The New School profile
University Of Denver landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit school based in Denver, CO. Students from in state pay about $61,398 in tuition and fees. University Of Denver Biological Physical Science students take on a median of $22,534 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,155. That is a strong return on a $22,534 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Denver
Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave placed #49 among the best-value Biological Physical Science schools in the United States. See the full Blue Ridge Community College Weyers Cave profile
Mountain Empire Community College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Mountain Empire Community 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 Associate’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
These rankings are produced 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).