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2023 Most Focused Colleges for Physical Sciences in the Southwest Region

157 Ranked Colleges
$30,900 Avg Cost*
Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region” ranking - to help you make that decision.

Physical Sciences is the 19th most popular major in the country with 49,473 degrees awarded in 2021-2022. In , physical sciences graduates who were awarded their degree in , earned an average of $40,118 and had an average of $21,983 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Southwest region, there were 5,076 physical sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $42,669 and $22,018 respectively.

For this year’s “Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region” ranking, we looked at 157 colleges that offer a degree in physical sciences. That schools that top this list have a program in physical sciences in which the largest percentage of students at the school are enrolled.

See our ranking methodology to learn more.

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The physical sciences school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region”.

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. Test it out by comparing your favorite schools against others you are considering, or bookmark the tool so you can experiment with it later.

Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region

The following schools top our list of the Best “Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region”.

Top 25 Most Focused Colleges for Physical Sciences in the Southwest Region

1
UNM Taos crest
University of New Mexico - Taos Campus
Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico

Out of the 157 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of New Mexico - Taos Campus landed the #1 spot on the list. Located in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, this small public school handed out 19 diplomas to qualified ’s physical sciences students in 2021-2022.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full University of New Mexico - Taos Campus Physical Sciences Report

2

Out of the 157 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region that were part of this year’s ranking, University of New Mexico - Valencia County Campus landed the #2 spot on the list. UNM Valencia is a public institution located in Los Lunas, New Mexico. The school has a small population, and it awarded 21 ’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at UNM Valencia

3

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region list. Located in Socorro, New Mexico, this small public school handed out 43 degrees to qualified ’s physical sciences students in 2021-2022.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

4

Out of the 157 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region that were part of this year’s ranking, Chandler-Gilbert Community College landed the #4 spot on the list. Chandler-Gilbert Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Chandler, Arizona. It awarded 106 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at Chandler-Gilbert Community College

5
Rice crest
Rice University
Houston, Texas

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Rice University. The school came in at #5 for the Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region. Rice University is a medium-sized school located in Houston, Texas that handed out 122 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

With a freshman retention rate of 97%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Rice University

6

Estrella Mountain Community College ranked #6 on this year’s Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region list. Estrella Mountain Community College is a medium-sized school located in Avondale, Arizona that handed out 59 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at Estrella Mountain Community College

7

Glendale Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region ranking. Glendale Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Glendale, Arizona. It awarded 91 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Glendale Community College Physical Sciences Report

8

With a ranking of #8, Paradise Valley Community College did quite well on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region list. This medium-sized school is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and it awarded 36 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Paradise Valley Community College

9
Southwestern crest
Southwestern University
Georgetown, Texas

With a ranking of #9, Southwestern University did quite well on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region list. This small school is located in Georgetown, Texas, and it awarded 13 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at Southwestern

10

Mesa Community College ranked #10 on this year’s Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region list. Mesa Community College is a fairly large school located in Mesa, Arizona that handed out 104 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at Mesa Community College

11
McMurray University crest
McMurry University
Abilene, Texas

McMurry University ranked #11 on this year’s Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region list. This small school is located in Abilene, Texas, and it awarded 6 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.1%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at McMurry University

12
Scottsdale Community College crest
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale Community College ranked #12 on this year’s Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region list. Scottsdale Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Scottsdale, Arizona. It awarded 38 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Scottsdale Community College Physical Sciences Report

13

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott ranked #13 on this year’s Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region list. Located in Prescott, Arizona, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 21 degrees to qualified ’s physical sciences students in 2021-2022.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Embry-Riddle Prescott

14

University of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region ranking. University of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a large school located in Norman, Oklahoma that handed out 237 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.2% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at University of Oklahoma Norman Campus

15
University of Arizona crest
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona

University of Arizona ranked #15 on this year’s Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region list. University of Arizona is located in Tucson, Arizona and, has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 376 ’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at University of Arizona

16
University of Tulsa crest
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma

With a ranking of #16, University of Tulsa did quite well on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region list. University of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit institution located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The school has a small population, and it awarded 24 ’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at University of Tulsa

17
Austin College crest
Austin College
Sherman, Texas

Austin College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region ranking. Austin College is located in Sherman, Texas and, has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 13 ’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Austin College Physical Sciences Report

18

Tulsa Community College landed the #18 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region ranking. This fairly large school is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and it awarded 94 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 0.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Tulsa Community College

19
OKWU or OWU crest
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Wesleyan University ranked #19 on this year’s Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region list. Oklahoma Wesleyan University is located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and, has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 3 ’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full OKWU or OWU Physical Sciences Report

20
Trinity U crest
Trinity University
San Antonio, Texas

Trinity University landed the #20 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region ranking. Trinity University is located in San Antonio, Texas and, has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 11 ’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 92%. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.1%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at Trinity U

21

University of New Mexico - Gallup Campus came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region ranking. University of New Mexico - Gallup Campus is a small school located in Gallup, New Mexico that handed out 14 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at University of New Mexico - Gallup Campus

22

Texas Lutheran University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region ranking. Seguin, Texas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s physical sciences degrees to 6 students in 2021-2022.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at TLU

23
Phoenix College crest
Phoenix College
Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix College landed the #23 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region ranking. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, this medium-sized public school awarded 58 degrees to qualified ’s physical sciences students in 2021-2022.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at Phoenix College

24
Northern Oklahoma College crest
Northern Oklahoma College
Tonkawa, Oklahoma

Northern Oklahoma College landed the #24 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region ranking. Northern Oklahoma College is a small school located in Tonkawa, Oklahoma that handed out 29 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Northern Oklahoma College Physical Sciences Report

25

South Mountain Community College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Schools Highly Focused on Physical Sciences Major in the Southwest Region ranking. South Mountain Community College is a small public school situated in Phoenix, Arizona. It awarded 24 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2021-2022.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at South Mountain Community College

Notes and References

References

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