2026 Best Value General Physical Sciences Schools
Looking for the best-value General Physical Sciences programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 209 colleges 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value General Physical Sciences Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Middlesex County College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value General Physical Sciences programs schools in the United States. Set in Edison, NJ, Middlesex County College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,764 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,356. Graduates carry a median of $7,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,861. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Middlesex County College profile
A rank of #2 makes University Of New Mexico Taos Campus one of the best values in the United States. Based in Ranchos de Taos, NM, University Of New Mexico Taos Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $5,136. Typical General Physical Sciences student debt is $10,986. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of New Mexico Taos Campus
Out of the 209 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of New Mexico Valencia County Campus landed the #3 spot. Located in Los Lunas, NM, University Of New Mexico Valencia County Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,878, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Typical General Physical Sciences student debt is $10,986. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,986 median debt. More on University Of New Mexico Valencia County Campus
A rank of #4 makes Cuny Laguardia Community College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Long Island City, NY. Students from in state pay about $5,218 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,098 for out-of-state students. Typical General Physical Sciences student debt is $7,500. Cuny Laguardia Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,653 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cuny Laguardia Community College report
You'll get strong value at University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Gallup, NM, University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,906 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,682. Graduates carry a median of $10,986 in student loans. University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus alumni report median earnings of $44,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus
Jackson Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. Jackson Community College is a public school based in Jackson, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,350, with out-of-state students paying around $10,200. Students borrow a median of $16,960 to complete their General Physical Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,898. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Jackson Community College
University Of New Mexico Los Alamos Campus came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Los Alamos, NM, University Of New Mexico Los Alamos Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,214, while out-of-state students pay about $5,578. Students borrow a median of $10,711 to complete their General Physical Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,792. That is a strong return on a $10,711 median debt. More on University Of New Mexico Los Alamos Campus
Richard Bland College Of The College Of William And Mary offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in South Prince George, VA, Richard Bland College Of The College Of William And Mary is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,090, compared with $14,970 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,452 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on Richard Bland College Of The College Of William And Mary
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,170 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,050 for out-of-state students. Typical General Physical Sciences student debt is $9,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,306. That is a strong return on a $9,000 median debt. More on Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
Cuny Medgar Evers College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. Located in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Medgar Evers College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,352, with out-of-state students paying around $15,302. Graduates carry a median of $8,875 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,498 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Cuny Medgar Evers College report
Cuny New York City College Of Technology placed #11 among the best-value General Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brooklyn, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,332, compared with $15,282 for out-of-state students. Cuny New York City College Of Technology General Physical Sciences students take on a median of $8,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,365 ten years after entry. Set against $8,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny New York City College Of Technology admits about 80% of applicants. More on Cuny New York City College Of Technology
Georgia Southern University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. Set in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,022 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. Georgia Southern University General Physical Sciences students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,236. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Georgia Southern University
California State University Stanislaus placed #13 among the best-value General Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Turlock, CA, California State University Stanislaus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,242, while out-of-state students pay about $20,842. The median General Physical Sciences program debt is $14,813. California State University Stanislaus alumni report median earnings of $63,188 a decade after entry. Set against $14,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Stanislaus admits about 98% of applicants. More on California State University Stanislaus
Rochester Institute Of Technology came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,210. Rochester Institute Of Technology General Physical Sciences students take on a median of $27,491 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,571. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rochester Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read the full report on Rochester Institute Of Technology
Humboldt State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Humboldt State University is a public school based in Arcata, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,397, compared with $20,997 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,129 to complete their General Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,626. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Humboldt State University admits about 98% of applicants. See the full Humboldt State University profile
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus placed #17 among the best-value General Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,125 ten years after entry. Set against $24,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Wright State University Main Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, compared with $20,691 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,836 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,500. Set against $25,836 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Wright State University Main Campus report
University Of Chicago ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete their General Physical Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,885. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full University Of Chicago report
Michigan State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,213 to complete their General Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Set against $25,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Michigan State University
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. The median General Physical Sciences program debt is $21,903. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $21,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Washington State University
University Of California Santa Cruz offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Santa Cruz, CA, University Of California Santa Cruz is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,035, while out-of-state students pay about $46,923. University Of California Santa Cruz General Physical Sciences students take on a median of $18,559 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,396 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,559 median debt. University Of California Santa Cruz has an acceptance rate of 66%. See the full University Of California Santa Cruz profile
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Bowling Green, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Students borrow a median of $24,499 to complete their General Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,889 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on Western Kentucky University
Arizona State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. The median General Physical Sciences program debt is $22,250. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University
Emory University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. Students borrow a median of $19,431 to complete their General Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $80,137 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Emory University has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on Emory University
Covenant College
Covenant College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. Read more about Covenant College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Physical Sciences Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
United States Naval Academy ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. Read the full report on United States Naval Academy
University Of Denver landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full University Of Denver profile
Seattle Community College North Campus landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Seattle Community College North Campus profile
Bridgewater State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Bridgewater State University report
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. Read more about Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Olivet Nazarene University placed #31 among the best-value General Physical Sciences schools in the United States. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile
Irvine Valley College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. Read the full report on Irvine Valley College
Mesa Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. More on Mesa Community College
University Of Southern Maine came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. More on University Of Southern Maine
Walla Walla Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. See the full Walla Walla Community College profile
College Of Marin
College Of Marin ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. See the full College Of Marin profile
San Jacinto Community College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. More on San Jacinto Community College
Roberts Wesleyan College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Read more about Roberts Wesleyan College
Bellevue College
Bellevue College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Bellevue College
Modesto Junior College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. More on Modesto Junior College
University Of Southern California offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. More on University Of Southern California
Butte College
Butte College placed #42 among the best-value General Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Read the full report on Butte College
Butler Community College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. Read the full report on Butler Community College
Washington State Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Washington State Community College
San Diego State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about San Diego State University
University Of California Berkeley landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Cuny Hostos Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. More on Cuny Hostos Community College
Hampshire College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Physical Sciences schools. Get the full Hampshire College report
Cuny Hunter College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Cuny Hunter College
Fort Hays State University placed #50 among the best-value General Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Read more about Fort Hays State University
Best Value General Physical Sciences Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value General Physical Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Physical Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Physical Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Physical Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Physical Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Physical Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Physical Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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 209 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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