2026 Best Value Physical Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Physical Sciences master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1522 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Illinois State University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $24,875 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,875 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Illinois State University
A rank of #3 makes Texas A And M University Kingsville one of the best values in the United States. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,892, while out-of-state students pay about $25,746. Graduates carry a median of $25,531 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,450 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,531 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas A And M University Kingsville
A rank of #4 makes Western Illinois University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $27,000. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about Western Illinois University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wyoming earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $23,700. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $23,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
University Of Houston ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $19,222 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Set against $19,222 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University Of Houston report
University Of Delaware landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,581. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Set against $25,581 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Delaware
Montclair State University placed #8 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $24,031. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,031 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Montclair State University
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Students borrow a median of $25,058 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $19,001 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Northern Illinois University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Northern Illinois University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $23,537 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Illinois University
Texas Tech University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $26,205. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $26,205 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. More on Texas Tech University
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $22,351. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,351 median debt. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas
Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,202 in tuition and fees. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $26,774. Illinois Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,592 a decade after entry. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read the full report on Illinois Institute Of Technology
The University Of Texas Pan American landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $10,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Pan American
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Graduates carry a median of $22,597 in student loans. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,597 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,828 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. 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 the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
California State University Sacramento ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Set in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $23,826. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,876 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,826 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. More on California State University Sacramento
Wichita State University placed #19 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wichita State University profile
Northeastern University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $66,162. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,441. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,441 median debt. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. Read more about Northeastern University
California State University Long Beach placed #21 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. 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. California State University Long Beach Physical Sciences students take on a median of $18,774 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. The median Physical Sciences program 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. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,139 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,139 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #24 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
San Diego State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $18,730. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%. Read the full report on San Diego State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Physical Sciences Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $23,803 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,803 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Students borrow a median of $18,613 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Reno has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, 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%. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Florida Atlantic University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Boca Raton, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,000. Florida Atlantic University alumni report median earnings of $56,746 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Florida Atlantic University profile
East Carolina University placed #30 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $23,096. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,096 median debt. East Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full East Carolina University report
Temple University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on Temple University
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $17,108. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,915 ten years after entry. Set against $17,108 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. More on University Of California Santa Barbara
Cornell University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $15,465. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,465 median debt. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full Cornell University report
Iowa State University placed #34 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,173 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Set against $24,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on Iowa State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Physical Sciences students take on a median of $22,062 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $22,062 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $13,352. 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. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
California State University Fullerton placed #37 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fullerton, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. California State University Fullerton Physical Sciences students take on a median of $17,583 in debt. California State University Fullerton alumni report median earnings of $62,951 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,583 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on California State University Fullerton
University Of Memphis ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. University Of Memphis Physical Sciences students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of Memphis report
Cleveland State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physical Sciences schools. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Students borrow a median of $24,744 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,131. Set against $24,744 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Cleveland State University
University Of Arizona came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,539 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arizona
California State University Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. California State University Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $59,211 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Los Angeles report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $21,597. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $21,597 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #43 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $19,819. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,923. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At El Paso
Stanford University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $124,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Stanford University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $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. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of Louisiana Lafayette came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a public school based in Lafayette, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,418, compared with $24,146 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $24,373. University Of Louisiana Lafayette alumni report median earnings of $47,089 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,373 median debt. University Of Louisiana Lafayette admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Louisiana Lafayette
Western Washington University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. Students borrow a median of $23,351 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,569 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about Western Washington University
University Of Northern Colorado placed #48 among the best-value Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $11,901, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. Students borrow a median of $26,617 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. University Of Northern Colorado alumni report median earnings of $52,231 a decade after entry. Set against $26,617 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Northern Colorado report
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,664 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. That is a strong return on a $19,568 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Related Physical Sciences Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 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 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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