2026 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools
Looking for the best-value Physical Sciences programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1522 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 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 Physical Sciences Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Idaho earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Out of the 1522 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #2 spot. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $12,184. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Carolina University earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $20,824. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Western Carolina University report
A rank of #4 makes Southern Illinois University Edwardsville one of the best values in the United States. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,000. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
A rank of #5 makes University Of Wisconsin River Falls one of the best values in the United States. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $30,000 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $54,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of Wyoming placed #6 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. University Of Wyoming Physical Sciences students take on a median of $23,700 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. More on University Of Wyoming
Western Illinois University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Western Illinois University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on Western Illinois University
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,288 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,288 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. Graduates carry a median of $22,558 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. Set against $22,558 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile
East Tennessee State University placed #12 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Johnson City, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. Graduates carry a median of $21,301 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,859. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Tennessee State University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on East Tennessee State University
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Normal, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $24,875. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $24,875 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Texas A And M University Kingsville came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,892 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,531. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,450 ten years after entry. Set against $25,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #15 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,236, while out-of-state students pay about $19,202. Students borrow a median of $26,527 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,148. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 92% of applicants. See the full East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public school based in Magnolia, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $9,960, compared with $15,690 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,625 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $42,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,625 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
University Of North Alabama came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. Students borrow a median of $24,830 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. University Of North Alabama alumni report median earnings of $45,415 a decade after entry. Set against $24,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Alabama admits about 87% of applicants. See the full University Of North Alabama profile
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,058. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $25,058 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $19,222 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Houston profile
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #21 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point Physical Sciences students take on a median of $24,161 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,021. Set against $24,161 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report
University Of Minnesota Morris ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Set in Morris, MN, University Of Minnesota Morris is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,526, while out-of-state students pay about $16,710. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $21,080. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,919. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Minnesota Morris profile
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $27,346. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $27,346 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Parkside offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Kenosha, WI, University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,270, compared with $17,429 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,925 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,129. That is a strong return on a $26,925 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Parkside
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $21,249. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,246 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,249 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of West Georgia landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Carrollton, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,088, with out-of-state students paying around $17,800. Graduates carry a median of $25,964 in student loans. University Of West Georgia alumni report median earnings of $49,587 a decade after entry. Set against $25,964 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,581 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $25,581 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full University Of Delaware report
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $18,730. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Diego State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Physical Sciences Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,597 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,902. That is a strong return on a $22,597 median debt. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants. See the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona profile
California State University Sacramento placed #31 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. California State University Sacramento is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. California State University Sacramento Physical Sciences students take on a median of $23,826 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $23,826 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about California State University Sacramento
Northern Illinois University placed #32 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $23,537 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
The University Of Texas Pan American offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $10,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,620 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas Pan American profile
Montclair State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $24,031 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Set against $24,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Montclair State University
Iowa State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $24,173. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Florida Atlantic University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Boca Raton, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,746 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants. More on Florida Atlantic University
Grand Valley State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Grand Valley State University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $26,154 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. Set against $26,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read more about Grand Valley State University
Ohio University Main Campus placed #38 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Physical Sciences students take on a median of $23,828 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $23,828 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
California State University Long Beach ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Students borrow a median of $18,774 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $26,774. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,592 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,205 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a public school based in Galloway, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,266, compared with $24,524 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,990 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,602. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey
Georgia Southern University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Statesboro, GA. Students from in state pay about $6,022 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,734. Georgia Southern University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $23,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,236. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. Georgia Southern University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Georgia Southern University profile
Wichita State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Wichita State University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,532 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about Wichita State University
University Of North Texas ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $22,351 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Set against $22,351 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full University Of North Texas profile
Austin Peay State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Clarksville, TN, Austin Peay State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,006, compared with $14,766 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,301. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Austin Peay State University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Austin Peay State University
Eastern Michigan University placed #48 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ypsilanti, MI. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Eastern Michigan University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $22,300 in debt. Eastern Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $51,793 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Eastern Michigan University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
University Of Nevada Reno offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Reno, NV. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,613 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,614 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,613 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
Cleveland State University placed #51 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Cleveland State University is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Cleveland State University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $24,744 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,131. That is a strong return on a $24,744 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full Cleveland State University profile
Suny At Geneseo ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. This public school is set in Geneseo, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,999, compared with $19,569 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $20,449. Suny At Geneseo alumni report median earnings of $67,316 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Geneseo has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read the full report on Suny At Geneseo
Towson University landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $23,666. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,666 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Towson University profile
Eastern Washington University came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Eastern Washington University is a public school based in Cheney, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Eastern Washington University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $21,754 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,897 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,754 median debt. Eastern Washington University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Eastern Washington University report
East Carolina University landed the #54 spot for value in the United States this year. East Carolina University is a public school based in Greenville, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,096 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. East Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $55,146 a decade after entry. Set against $23,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full East Carolina University profile
Best Value Physical Sciences Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Physical Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 1522 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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