2026 Best Value Physical Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Physical Sciences doctoral degree 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Physical Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Physical Sciences doctoral degree schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Physical Sciences students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at University Of Wyoming, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $23,700 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. 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. Read more about University Of Wyoming
A rank of #3 makes University Of Delaware one of the best values in the United States. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. University Of Delaware Physical Sciences students take on a median of $25,581 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,581 median debt. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
You'll get strong value at University Of Houston, which ranked #4 this year. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $19,222. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full University Of Houston profile
You'll get strong value at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $19,001 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,001 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Northern Illinois University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Northern Illinois University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $23,537 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $23,537 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Texas Tech University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $26,205 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of North Texas ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. This public school is set in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,351 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,351 median debt. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of North Texas profile
Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,202. Graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,592 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
Northeastern University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Northeastern University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $25,441 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $25,441 median debt. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Get the full Northeastern University report
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,108 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. Set against $17,108 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
San Diego State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $18,730. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Read more about San Diego State University
Ohio University Main Campus placed #13 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Physical Sciences students take on a median of $23,828 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Set against $23,828 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
Iowa State University placed #14 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $24,173 in student loans. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,173 median debt. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Iowa State University
University Of Nevada Reno offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $27,346. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Temple University placed #18 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about Temple University
Florida Atlantic University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. 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. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%. See the full Florida Atlantic University profile
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,352 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,352 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Physical Sciences students take on a median of $21,597 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Set against $21,597 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $22,062. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Set against $22,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Cornell University placed #23 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $15,465. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. That is a strong return on a $15,465 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full Cornell University profile
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station Physical Sciences students take on a median of $19,139 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $19,139 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Stanford University placed #25 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $10,492. Median earnings reach $124,080 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Stanford University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Physical Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $26,664. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $16,322. Median earnings reach $61,251 ten years out. Set against $16,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College report
The University Of Texas At El Paso offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in El Paso, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $19,819. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,923. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At El Paso
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Physical Sciences students take on a median of $21,669 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,669 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $16,298. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Las Vegas has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $23,803 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $23,803 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,860 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $19,568. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Set against $19,568 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,810 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,810 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $26,405 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
The University Of Texas At Arlington ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Based in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,950, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $24,506. Median earnings reach $63,199 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Arlington has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Arlington
University Of California San Diego ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. University Of California San Diego Physical Sciences students take on a median of $16,387 in debt. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
Northwestern University placed #38 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Northwestern University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,363. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northwestern University profile
Wake Forest University placed #39 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winston-Salem, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $67,642. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $22,250. Median earnings reach $78,158 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Wake Forest University has an acceptance rate of 22%. Get the full Wake Forest University report
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. University Of Utah Physical Sciences students take on a median of $19,857 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Utah profile
Kent State University At Kent offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,615 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,388 ten years out. Set against $25,615 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
University Of Arizona landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $23,539 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. Set against $23,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Arizona report
Portland State University placed #43 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $26,033. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,906. That is a strong return on a $26,033 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Portland State University
Suny At Albany came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Albany, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,601, while out-of-state students pay about $30,991. Suny At Albany Physical Sciences students take on a median of $25,252 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,979. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Suny At Albany report
University Of Massachusetts Lowell ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Based in Lowell, MA, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,966, with out-of-state students paying around $36,264. Students borrow a median of $25,023 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. University Of Massachusetts Lowell alumni report median earnings of $64,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,023 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Lowell has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Lowell
University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $22,482. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,740. That is a strong return on a $22,482 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Chicago report
University Of Missouri St Louis placed #47 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $15,120, compared with $37,620 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,943. University Of Missouri St Louis alumni report median earnings of $53,037 a decade after entry. Set against $25,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Missouri St Louis profile
West Virginia University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. West Virginia University is a public school based in Morgantown, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. West Virginia University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $24,016 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,939 ten years after entry. Set against $24,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on West Virginia University
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $19,425. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $19,425 median debt. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Drexel University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. Students borrow a median of $30,151 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Drexel University
Related Physical Sciences Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Physical Sciences Master’s 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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