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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Materials Sciences (Income $0-$30k)

23 Ranked Colleges
142 Degrees Awarded
$31,600 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k

With all of the options students have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our “Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.

Materials Sciences is the 258th most popular major in the country with 689 degrees awarded in 2019-2020. In 2017-2018, materials sciences graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $60,225 and had an average of $23,698 in loans still to pay off.

At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 142 materials sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $72,680 and $116,043 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, we looked at 23 colleges that offer a degree in materials sciences. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great materials sciences programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the materials sciences program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

One Size Does Not Fit All

When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” list to help you make the college decision.

To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. We encourage you to try it out and pit your favorite colleges and universities head to head! If you don’t have time right now, you can bookmark it for later.

Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k

The colleges and universities below are the best for doctor’s degree materials science students whose families make $0-$30k.

Top 23 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Materials Sciences (Income $0-$30k)

#1

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee
#7 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Vanderbilt University. It ranked #1 on our 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, this fairly large private not-for-profit school awarded 2 degrees to qualified doctorate’s materials science students in 2019-2020.

Vanderbilt not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #7 on our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Vanderbilt University are $50,624.

Read full report on Materials Sciences at Vanderbilt

#2 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Columbia University in the City of New York. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k. Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, New York and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 2 doctorate’s materials science degrees to qualified students.

Columbia did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Columbia are $51,194.

Read more about Materials Sciences at Columbia University in the City of New York

#3

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
#9 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k. This large school is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and it awarded 4 doctorate’s materials science degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree materials science students whose families make $0-$30k list, UNC Chapel Hill has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UNC Chapel Hill are $30,248, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Materials Sciences at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

#3 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - Berkeley. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Berkeley, California, this large public school awarded 15 degrees to qualified doctorate’s materials science students in 2019-2020.

UC Berkeley did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #3 on our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UC Berkeley are $29,347.

Full University of California - Berkeley Materials Sciences Report

#5

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
#8 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Michigan State University. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k. Located in East Lansing, Michigan, this large public school awarded 9 degrees to qualified doctorate’s materials science students in 2019-2020.

Michigan State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #8 on our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Michigan State University are $37,056, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Michigan State Materials Sciences Report

#6

University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California
#4 in overall quality

University of California - Santa Barbara did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #6. This large school is located in Santa Barbara, California, and it awarded 20 doctorate’s materials science degrees in 2019-2020.

UCSB not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Santa Barbara are $28,670, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Materials Sciences at University of California - Santa Barbara

#7

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
#1 in overall quality

With a ranking of #7, Carnegie Mellon University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 16 degrees to qualified doctorate’s materials science students in 2019-2020.

Carnegie Mellon did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Carnegie Mellon University are $47,326, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Materials Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University

#8

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
#14 in overall quality

Florida State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #8. Located in Tallahassee, Florida, this large public school awarded 2 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s materials science students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree materials science students whose families make $0-$30k list, Florida State has also earned the #14 rank in our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida State are $26,707, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Materials Sciences at Florida State University

#11 in overall quality

With a ranking of #9, University of California - Riverside did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. UCR is located in Riverside, California and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 12 doctorate’s materials science degrees to qualified students.

UCR also took the #11 spot in our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UCR are $28,686, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Materials Sciences at UCR

#10

University of Delaware

Newark, Delaware
#5 in overall quality

University of Delaware came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of Delaware is a large public school situated in Newark, Delaware. It awarded 8 doctorate’s materials science degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UD, the school also landed the #5 spot in our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UD are $35,192.

Read full report on Materials Sciences at UD

#11

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona
#12 in overall quality

University of Arizona ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Arizona is located in Tucson, Arizona and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 2 doctorate’s materials science degrees to qualified students.

University of Arizona also made our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #12. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Arizona are $33,399, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of Arizona Materials Sciences Report

#12

University of Rochester

Rochester, New York
#6 in overall quality

University of Rochester landed the #12 spot on the 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution located in Rochester, New York. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

University of Rochester did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #6 on our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Rochester are $50,505.

Read full report on Materials Sciences at University of Rochester

#13

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas
#15 in overall quality

University of Arkansas did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #13. UARK is a large school located in Fayetteville, Arkansas that handed out 4 doctorate’s materials science degrees in 2019-2020.

UARK not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #15 on our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UARK are $22,121, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of Arkansas Materials Sciences Report

#14

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, Michigan
#22 in overall quality

With a ranking of #14, Central Michigan University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Central Michigan is a fairly large public school situated in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It awarded 2 doctorate’s materials science degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree materials science students whose families make $0-$30k list, Central Michigan has also earned the #22 rank in our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Central Michigan University are $19,359, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Central Michigan University Materials Sciences Report

#15

The University of Montana

Missoula, Montana
#21 in overall quality

With a ranking of #15, The University of Montana did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. UM is a medium-sized public school situated in Missoula, Montana. It awarded 1 doctorate’s materials science degrees in 2019-2020.

UM not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #21 on our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UM are $23,242, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Materials Sciences at UM

#16

Oregon State University

Corvallis, Oregon
#13 in overall quality

With a ranking of #16, Oregon State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. This large school is located in Corvallis, Oregon, and it awarded 4 doctorate’s materials science degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Oregon State, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Oregon State are $28,121, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Materials Sciences at Oregon State

#17

Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan
#19 in overall quality

Wayne State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #17. Wayne State University is a public institution located in Detroit, Michigan. The school has a large population, and it awarded 2 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree materials science students whose families make $0-$30k list, Wayne State has also earned the #19 rank in our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Wayne State University are $37,215, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Materials Sciences at Wayne State

#10 in overall quality

University of New Hampshire - Main Campus came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of New Hampshire - Main Campus is a public institution located in Durham, New Hampshire. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UNH not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #10 on our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of New Hampshire - Main Campus are $29,970.

Read more about Materials Sciences at UNH

#19

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York
#16 in overall quality

University at Buffalo came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University at Buffalo is located in Buffalo, New York and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 2 doctorate’s materials science degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree materials science students whose families make $0-$30k list, University at Buffalo has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University at Buffalo are $26,028, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Materials Sciences at University at Buffalo

#23 in overall quality

With a ranking of #20, Montana Technological University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Butte, Montana is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s materials science degrees to 1 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree materials science students whose families make $0-$30k list, Montana Tech has also earned the #23 rank in our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Montana Technological University are $19,429, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Materials Sciences at Montana Tech

#21

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
#17 in overall quality

The University of Alabama came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. The University of Alabama is a public institution located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The school has a large population, and it awarded 8 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UA also made our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #17. Average graduate tuition and fees at UA are $30,940, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full UA Materials Sciences Report

#22

Montana State University

Bozeman, Montana
#18 in overall quality

Montana State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #22. Montana State University is a public institution located in Bozeman, Montana. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

MSU Bozeman not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #18 on our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Montana State University are $21,446, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Materials Sciences at MSU Bozeman

#23

University of New Mexico - Main Campus

Albuquerque, New Mexico
#20 in overall quality

University of New Mexico - Main Campus did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Materials Science Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #23. UNM is a large school located in Albuquerque, New Mexico that handed out 3 doctorate’s materials science degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree materials science students whose families make $0-$30k list, UNM has also earned the #20 rank in our “Best Materials Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UNM are $19,890, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Materials Sciences at University of New Mexico - Main Campus

Notes and References

References

  • 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).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

Credits

  • Credit for the banner image above goes to Per Henning.

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