2026 Best Value General Physical Sciences Schools in the Southeast Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general physical sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value General Physical Sciences Schools
Leading the list is Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, our #1 best value for general physical sciences in the Southeast Region. Set in the rural area of Perkinston, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,850. General Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $11,653 in student loans. Early-career general physical sciences graduates make about $34,214. Set against $11,653 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Richard Bland College Of The College Of William And Mary one of the best values for general physical sciences. Located in the rural area of South Prince George, Richard Bland College Of The College Of William And Mary is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,970. Typical student debt for general physical sciences graduates is $12,000. General Physical Sciences graduates of Richard Bland College Of The College Of William And Mary earn a median of $20,219 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in general physical sciences will find it at University Of Arkansas At Little Rock, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Little Rock, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,911 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,721 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,093 to complete the general physical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, general physical sciences degree recipients from University Of Arkansas At Little Rock generally make around $47,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%.
Emory University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general physical sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Emory University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,280 in tuition and fees. General Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $19,431 in student loans. Early-career general physical sciences graduates make about $67,840. Set against $19,431 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 23 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
[General Physical Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/general-physical-sciences/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general physical sciences education at a price that pays off.
