by our College Data Analytics Team
[Physical Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong physical sciences education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 23 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for physical sciences students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in physical sciences, no school beat Rio Salado College this year. Rio Salado College is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,958. Students borrow a median of $13,679 to complete the physical sciences program here. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $48,564. Set against $13,679 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Arizona Western College one of the best values for physical sciences. Located in the city of Yuma, Arizona Western College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,060 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,870. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Arizona Western College generally make around $44,895.
Phoenix College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Set in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $15,204 to complete the physical sciences program here. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $51,053. Set against $15,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Glendale Community College Glendale Az came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glendale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $15,996. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Glendale Community College Glendale Az generally make around $51,483. That is a strong return on a $15,996 median debt.
South Mountain Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, South Mountain Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,958. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,825 ten years after entry.
Estrella Mountain Community College came in at #6 for value in physical sciences this year. Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Avondale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $21,752. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $78,359. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Chandler Gilbert Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Located in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,447 to complete the physical sciences program here. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $46,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Mesa Community College landed the #8 spot for physical sciences value this year. Located in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete the physical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Mesa Community College generally make around $54,730. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt.
Paradise Valley Community College earned the #9 position for value in physical sciences this year. Located in the city of Phoenix, Paradise Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $14,204 in student loans. Physical Sciences graduates of Paradise Valley Community College earn a median of $71,136 early in their careers. Set against $14,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Arizona State University earned the #10 position for value in physical sciences this year. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,035 to complete the physical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $36,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Scottsdale Community College landed the #11 spot for physical sciences value this year. Located in the rural area of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,084 to complete the physical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Scottsdale Community College generally make around $48,039. That is a strong return on a $13,084 median debt.
Northern Arizona University landed the #12 spot for physical sciences value this year. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,654 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $41,191 early in their careers. Set against $21,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Arizona earned the #13 position for value in physical sciences this year. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $23,539. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $81,872. That is a strong return on a $23,539 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott landed the #14 spot for physical sciences value this year. Set in the city of Prescott, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,974 in tuition and fees. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,085 in student loans. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $41,515. Set against $26,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.
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 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.