2026 Best Value Science & Tech Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 7944 institutions 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 reviewed 749 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 Science & Tech Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Science & Tech doctoral degree schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,462. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about La Salle University
A rank of #2 makes Cabrini College one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Radnor, PA. Cabrini College Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,889 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,038 ten years out. Set against $26,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Cabrini College
You'll get strong value at Aspen University, which ranked #3 this year. Aspen University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. Students from in state pay about $6,870 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $36,946 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Read the full report on Aspen University
You'll get strong value at University Of Management And Technology, which ranked #4 this year. University Of Management And Technology is a private for-profit school based in Arlington, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,450. Median earnings reach $68,530 ten years out. More on University Of Management And Technology
A rank of #5 makes Columbia Southern University one of the best values in the United States. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit school based in Orange Beach, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,224. Columbia Southern University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,447 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,534 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Columbia Southern University profile
University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a public school based in San Juan, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,324 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $5,673. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,723. Set against $5,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
Jamestown College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Jamestown, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $24,990. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,621 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Jamestown College
University Of The Cumberlands offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,875. Graduates carry a median of $22,868 in student loans. University Of The Cumberlands alumni report median earnings of $45,036 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of The Cumberlands has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on University Of The Cumberlands
Concordia University Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irvine, CA. Students from in state pay about $43,480 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,085. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,083 ten years after entry. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Concordia University Irvine
The Masters College And Seminary ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Santa Clarita, CA, The Masters College And Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,020 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,089 in student loans. The Masters College And Seminary alumni report median earnings of $57,106 a decade after entry. Set against $22,089 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on The Masters College And Seminary
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Mayaguez, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $8,630. Median earnings reach $48,992 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,630 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Morningside College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,281. Median earnings reach $55,494 ten years out. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Morningside College
Mount Marty College placed #13 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Set in Yankton, SD, Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,600. Mount Marty College Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,179. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount Marty College has an acceptance rate of 43%. See the full Mount Marty College profile
Touro University Worldwide placed #14 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Based in Los Alamitos, CA, Touro University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,640. Touro University Worldwide Science & Tech students take on a median of $32,289 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,803 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Touro University Worldwide report
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Students borrow a median of $23,742 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. More on Arizona State University Skysong
William Woods University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,340. William Woods University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,512 in debt. William Woods University alumni report median earnings of $42,401 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on William Woods University
Southwest Baptist University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bolivar, MO, Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,566 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $24,436. Southwest Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $43,112 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Southwest Baptist University
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Ferris State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $23,562 in debt. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Ferris State University profile
Brigham Young University Provo placed #19 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Science & Tech students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years 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
Wilmington University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,844 ten years out. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wilmington University report
Doane College Crete ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,985. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $28,802. Doane College Crete alumni report median earnings of $53,316 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,802 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full Doane College Crete report
Concordia University Chicago ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,956. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Concordia University Chicago profile
Grace College And Theological Seminary came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Winona Lake, IN, Grace College And Theological Seminary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,645. Graduates carry a median of $21,211 in student loans. Grace College And Theological Seminary alumni report median earnings of $45,411 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grace College And Theological Seminary has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Grace College And Theological Seminary report
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $46,250. The median Science & Tech program debt is $22,542. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,998. Set against $22,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Point Loma Nazarene University admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Point Loma Nazarene University
University Of Scranton ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Scranton, PA, University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,777. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,652 ten years after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Scranton
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. The median Science & Tech program debt is $24,447. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Mckendree University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Mckendree University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lebanon, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,740. The median Science & Tech program debt is $24,362. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,572 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mckendree University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $23,917 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Ashland University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,210. Students borrow a median of $24,536 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,928. That is a strong return on a $24,536 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ashland University profile
Piedmont College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Demorest, GA. Students from in state pay about $31,700 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,975 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Piedmont College alumni report median earnings of $49,130 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,975 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on Piedmont College
Delta State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Delta State University is a public school based in Cleveland, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. Students borrow a median of $23,432 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,991. That is a strong return on a $23,432 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. Get the full Delta State University report
Viterbo University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in La Crosse, WI, Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,250. The median Science & Tech program debt is $29,107. Median earnings reach $55,660 ten years out. Set against $29,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Viterbo University
Olivet Nazarene University placed #33 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bourbonnais, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. Students borrow a median of $26,797 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,213 ten years after entry. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Olivet Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 56%. More on Olivet Nazarene University
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,260 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,153. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
University Of St Francis landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Joliet, IL. Students from in state pay about $38,110 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,695. University Of St Francis alumni report median earnings of $63,926 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,695 median debt. University Of St Francis has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on University Of St Francis
Hamline University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Graduates carry a median of $25,530 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Hamline University
Lynchburg College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Lynchburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,750. Lynchburg College alumni report median earnings of $56,380 a decade after entry. Lynchburg College admits about 43% of applicants. See the full Lynchburg College profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System alumni report median earnings of $65,703 a decade after entry. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Youngstown State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,373 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Youngstown State University
Columbus State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,898, with out-of-state students paying around $17,610. Students borrow a median of $28,493 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,544. Set against $28,493 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbus State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Columbus State University
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,026 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,871 ten years after entry. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
York College Pennsylvania placed #43 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in York, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,588. York College Pennsylvania Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,537 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. Set against $26,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about York College Pennsylvania
Biola University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Mirada, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $48,984. Students borrow a median of $25,308 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,778. Set against $25,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Biola University admits about 74% of applicants. See the full Biola University profile
University Of Mary ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bismarck, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $22,356. University Of Mary Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,983 in debt. University Of Mary alumni report median earnings of $60,909 a decade after entry. Set against $26,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Mary admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full University Of Mary report
Indiana Institute Of Technology came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Indiana Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Wayne, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $31,361. Graduates carry a median of $36,380 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,327 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Indiana Institute Of Technology
Bellevue University placed #47 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Located in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,873. Bellevue University Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,852 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Bellevue University report
University Of Maryland University College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. University Of Maryland University College Science & Tech students take on a median of $23,276 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,287. Set against $23,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
Wheeling Jesuit University placed #49 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in the United States. Based in Wheeling, WV, Wheeling Jesuit University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,875. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,949 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wheeling Jesuit University
Illinois State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Illinois State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $21,896 in debt. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Set against $21,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Illinois State University
Related Science & Tech Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Science & Tech Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Science & Tech Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Science & Tech Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 Best Colleges For Money · Scope: Nation · 749 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 7944 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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