2026 Best Value Physical Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Physical Sciences bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1522 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 evaluated 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 Physical Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
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. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
A rank of #2 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Out of the 1522 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke landed the #3 spot. Based in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,766. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,407. Set against $25,766 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Out of the 1522 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Carolina University landed the #4 spot. 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 has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Western Carolina University profile
You'll get strong value at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which ranked #5 this year. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
University Of Wisconsin River Falls came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. University Of Wisconsin River Falls Physical Sciences students take on a median of $30,000 in debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
East Tennessee State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. East Tennessee State University is a public school based in Johnson City, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. Students borrow a median of $21,301 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,859 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full East Tennessee State University report
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #9 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 average $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,032. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about Western Illinois University
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,070, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $26,292. Median earnings reach $60,378 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,292 median debt. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse profile
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #14 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire Physical Sciences students take on a median of $22,558 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire admits about 82% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater placed #15 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater Physical Sciences students take on a median of $25,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,346 in student loans. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $27,346 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,236, with out-of-state students paying around $19,202. Students borrow a median of $26,527 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,148. That is a strong return on a $26,527 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus placed #18 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Magnolia, AR, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,960, while out-of-state students pay about $15,690. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $23,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,386. That is a strong return on a $23,625 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
University Of North Alabama placed #20 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,120, compared with $22,320 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $24,830. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,415. Set against $24,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Alabama profile
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $24,161. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,021. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
University Of Minnesota Morris came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. University Of Minnesota Morris is a public school based in Morris, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,710. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $21,080. Median earnings reach $50,919 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,080 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Minnesota Morris report
Eastern Michigan University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Located in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $22,300. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. Set against $22,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Eastern Michigan University report
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania Physical Sciences students take on a median of $21,249 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,246 ten years out. Set against $21,249 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
University Of West Georgia came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,088, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,964 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,587. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of West Georgia
University Of Wisconsin Parkside placed #27 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kenosha, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,270, with out-of-state students paying around $17,429. University Of Wisconsin Parkside Physical Sciences students take on a median of $26,925 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,129. That is a strong return on a $26,925 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Parkside admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Parkside
San Diego State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. San Diego State University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $18,730 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $18,730 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%. More on San Diego State University
Western Michigan University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $27,981. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants. More on Western Michigan University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Physical Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Ames, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $24,173. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $24,173 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Iowa State University
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,058 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,058 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Florida Atlantic University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,746. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida Atlantic University has an acceptance rate of 66%. Get the full Florida Atlantic University report
California State Polytechnic University Pomona offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. California State Polytechnic University Pomona Physical Sciences students take on a median of $22,597 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,902 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California State Polytechnic University Pomona
California State University Sacramento placed #34 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. California State University Sacramento is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Students borrow a median of $23,826 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $23,826 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Sacramento
University Of Houston Downtown landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Downtown is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,582 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,434. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. University Of Houston Downtown alumni report median earnings of $53,551 a decade after entry. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Houston Downtown
Grand Valley State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Graduates carry a median of $26,154 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,118. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
Georgia Southern University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022, while out-of-state students pay about $17,734. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $23,500. Ten years after enrolling, 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%. More on Georgia Southern University
The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Based in Galloway, NJ, The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,266, compared with $24,524 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,990 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,602 ten years after entry. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey admits about 89% of applicants. More on The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey
University Of Houston landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $19,222. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Houston report
Austin Peay State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Austin Peay State University is a public school based in Clarksville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,006, while out-of-state students pay about $14,766. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Austin Peay State University alumni report median earnings of $44,301 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on Austin Peay State University
University Of Minnesota Duluth came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,608, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,952 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. Set against $23,952 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Duluth has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on University Of Minnesota Duluth
Northern Illinois University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $23,537. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $23,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
California State University Long Beach ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Located in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. California State University Long Beach Physical Sciences students take on a median of $18,774 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
Texas A And M University Kingsville came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University Kingsville Physical Sciences students take on a median of $25,531 in debt. Texas A And M University Kingsville alumni report median earnings of $51,450 a decade after entry. Set against $25,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
Cleveland State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $12,982, while out-of-state students pay about $18,502. Students borrow a median of $24,744 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $52,131 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,744 median debt. Cleveland State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Cleveland State University report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #47 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Physical Sciences students take on a median of $19,860 in debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Set against $19,860 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile
Suny At Geneseo landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Geneseo, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,999, with out-of-state students paying around $19,569. Students borrow a median of $20,449 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Suny At Geneseo alumni report median earnings of $67,316 a decade after entry. Set against $20,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. More on Suny At Geneseo
University Of Nevada Reno landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Reno, NV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $18,613. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. Set against $18,613 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nevada Reno
The University Of Texas Pan American landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Edinburg, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. The University Of Texas Pan American Physical Sciences students take on a median of $10,500 in debt. The University Of Texas Pan American alumni report median earnings of $49,620 a decade after entry. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on The University Of Texas Pan American
Wichita State University came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $26,000. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full Wichita State University report
Montclair State University placed #53 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Montclair State University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $24,031 in debt. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,031 median debt. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Montclair State University report
Eastern Washington University placed #54 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $21,754. Median earnings reach $57,897 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Washington University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Eastern Washington University report
Purdue University Main Campus placed #55 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $19,568. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Related Physical Sciences Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Physical Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 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).