ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Biological & Physical Science Associate’s Degree Schools

62 Colleges in the United States
23,251 Biological & Physical Science Degrees Awarded
$44,072 Avg Early-Career Salary

Biological & Physical Science is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their biological & physical science programs.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 382 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for biological & physical science students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/biological-physical-science/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: No offers_data.offers found, showing generic ESYOH widget

Best Schools for Biological & Physical Science in the United States

Below are the best biological & physical science schools at the associate’s degree level, ranked by the quality of the education they deliver.

Top Schools in Biological & Physical Science

1

San Joaquin Delta College tops our 2026 ranking of the best biological & physical science schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Stockton. There were roughly 414 biological & physical science students who graduated with this degree at San Joaquin Delta College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their biological & physical science degree from San Joaquin Delta College earn around $65,168 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $6,382 to complete this degree. Get the full biological & physical science details for San Joaquin Delta College

2

Students looking for a strong biological & physical science program will find one at College Of Lake County, which ranked #2. College Of Lake County is a very large public school located in the suburb of Grayslake. There were roughly 135 biological & physical science students who graduated with this degree at College Of Lake County in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical science degree recipients from College Of Lake County generally make around $37,724. College Of Lake County graduates carry a median of $7,833 in student loans. Read more about the biological & physical science program at College Of Lake County

3

A rank of #3 makes Santa Rosa Junior College one of the top schools for biological & physical science. This very large public university is located in the city of Santa Rosa. About 306 biological & physical science degrees were awarded at Santa Rosa Junior College in the most recent year. Students who receive their biological & physical science degree from Santa Rosa Junior College earn around $80,047 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $14,692 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in biological & physical science from Santa Rosa Junior College

4
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA

A rank of #4 makes Golden West College one of the top schools for biological & physical science. Golden West College is a large public school located in the suburb of Huntington Beach. There were roughly 374 biological & physical science students who graduated with this degree at Golden West College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical science degree recipients from Golden West College generally make around $82,984. Golden West College graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in biological & physical science from Golden West College

5
College Of The Canyons crest
College Of The Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA

College Of The Canyons is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in biological & physical science, ranking #5. College Of The Canyons is a very large public school located in the suburb of Santa Clarita. About 102 biological & physical science degrees were awarded at College Of The Canyons in the most recent year. Biological & Physical Science graduates of College Of The Canyons earn a median of $51,913 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $9,776 to complete this degree. Get the full biological & physical science details for College Of The Canyons

6
Moorpark College crest
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA

Moorpark College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best biological & physical science schools. Located in the suburb of Moorpark, Moorpark College is a very large public university. About 349 biological & physical science degrees were awarded at Moorpark College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical science degree recipients from Moorpark College generally make around $105,599. Typical student debt for the program is $17,075. More information about a degree in biological & physical science from Moorpark College

7
Shasta College crest
Shasta College
Redding, CA

Shasta College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best biological & physical science schools. Set in the suburb of Redding, Shasta College is a large public institution. There were roughly 510 biological & physical science students who graduated with this degree at Shasta College in the most recent data year. Biological & Physical Science graduates of Shasta College earn a median of $31,415 early in their careers. Shasta College graduates carry a median of $12,324 in student loans. See the full biological & physical science program report for Shasta College

8

Modesto Junior College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best biological & physical science schools. Set in the city of Modesto, Modesto Junior College is a very large public institution. Modesto Junior College awarded about 311 biological & physical science degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the biological & physical science program make about $31,960 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $9,036. See the full biological & physical science program report for Modesto Junior College

9

Elgin Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best biological & physical science schools. Set in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public institution. Elgin Community College awarded about 193 biological & physical science degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical science degree recipients from Elgin Community College generally make around $43,975. Students borrow a median of $7,727 to complete this degree. See the full biological & physical science program report for Elgin Community College

10

Riverside City College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best biological & physical science schools. Riverside City College is a very large public school located in the city of Riverside. There were roughly 359 biological & physical science students who graduated with this degree at Riverside City College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biological & physical science degree recipients from Riverside City College generally make around $33,201. Students borrow a median of $8,712 to complete this degree. Read more about the biological & physical science program at Riverside City College

11
Norco College crest
Norco College
Norco, CA

Norco College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best biological & physical science schools. Located in the suburb of Norco, Norco College is a large public university. About 194 biological & physical science degrees were awarded at Norco College in the most recent year. Typical student debt for the program is $8,203. Read more about the biological & physical science program at Norco College

12
Harper College crest
Harper College
Palatine, IL

Harper College earned the #12 position for biological & physical science this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Palatine. About 401 biological & physical science degrees were awarded at Harper College in the most recent year. Students who receive their biological & physical science degree from Harper College earn around $27,081 in the first couple years of their career. Harper College graduates carry a median of $8,250 in student loans. Read more about the biological & physical science program at Harper College

13
De Anza College crest
De Anza College
Cupertino, CA

De Anza College placed #13 among the best biological & physical science schools. De Anza College is a very large public school located in the city of Cupertino. There were roughly 192 biological & physical science students who graduated with this degree at De Anza College in the most recent data year. De Anza College graduates carry a median of $7,271 in student loans. Read more about the biological & physical science program at De Anza College

14
Santa Barbara City College crest
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara City College landed the #14 spot for biological & physical science this year. Set in the city of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara City College is a large public institution. There were roughly 340 biological & physical science students who graduated with this degree at Santa Barbara City College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the biological & physical science program make about $68,184 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,090. Read more about the biological & physical science program at Santa Barbara City College

15

Mt San Jacinto Community College District earned the #15 position for biological & physical science this year. Set in the suburb of San Jacinto, Mt San Jacinto Community College District is a very large public institution. About 652 biological & physical science degrees were awarded at Mt San Jacinto Community College District in the most recent year. Graduates of the biological & physical science program make about $26,228 in their early career. Mt San Jacinto Community College District graduates carry a median of $6,625 in student loans. Read more about the biological & physical science program at Mt San Jacinto Community College District

16
Cuyamaca College crest
Cuyamaca College
El Cajon, CA

Cuyamaca College came in at #16 for biological & physical science this year. Set in the suburb of El Cajon, Cuyamaca College is a large public institution. There were roughly 124 biological & physical science students who graduated with this degree at Cuyamaca College in the most recent data year. Read more about the biological & physical science program at Cuyamaca College

17

Imperial Valley College landed the #17 spot for biological & physical science this year. Imperial Valley College is a large public school located in the rural area of Imperial. About 257 biological & physical science degrees were awarded at Imperial Valley College in the most recent year. Students who receive their biological & physical science degree from Imperial Valley College earn around $23,311 in the first couple years of their career. Imperial Valley College graduates carry a median of $6,176 in student loans. Get the full biological & physical science details for Imperial Valley College

18
Miracosta College crest
Miracosta College
Oceanside, CA

Miracosta College placed #18 among the best biological & physical science schools. Set in the suburb of Oceanside, Miracosta College is a large public institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. Miracosta College awarded about 261 biological & physical science degrees in the most recent data year. Get the full biological & physical science details for Miracosta College

19

Waubonsee Community College placed #19 among the best biological & physical science schools. Set in the rural area of Sugar Grove, Waubonsee Community College is a large public institution. About 261 biological & physical science degrees were awarded at Waubonsee Community College in the most recent year. Biological & Physical Science graduates of Waubonsee Community College earn a median of $24,939 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $8,067. More information about a degree in biological & physical science from Waubonsee Community College

20
Mission College crest
Mission College
Santa Clara, CA

Mission College placed #20 among the best biological & physical science schools. This large public university is located in the city of Santa Clara. About 165 biological & physical science degrees were awarded at Mission College in the most recent year. Typical student debt for the program is $17,223. See the full biological & physical science program report for Mission College

21

Santiago Canyon College came in at #21 for biological & physical science this year. Santiago Canyon College is a large public school located in the city of Orange. Santiago Canyon College awarded about 159 biological & physical science degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the biological & physical science program make about $34,100 in their early career. Santiago Canyon College graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Read more about the biological & physical science program at Santiago Canyon College

22
Oxnard College crest
Oxnard College
Oxnard, CA

Oxnard College earned the #22 position for biological & physical science this year. Located in the city of Oxnard, Oxnard College is a large public university. About 384 biological & physical science degrees were awarded at Oxnard College in the most recent year. More information about a degree in biological & physical science from Oxnard College

23
Mchenry County College crest
Mchenry County College
Crystal Lake, IL

Mchenry County College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best biological & physical science schools. Mchenry County College is a large public school located in the rural area of Crystal Lake. There were roughly 155 biological & physical science students who graduated with this degree at Mchenry County College in the most recent data year. Biological & Physical Science graduates of Mchenry County College earn a median of $28,614 early in their careers. Mchenry County College graduates carry a median of $7,500 in student loans. Get the full biological & physical science details for Mchenry County College

24
Cerritos College crest
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA

Cerritos College placed #24 among the best biological & physical science schools. Cerritos College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norwalk. About 176 biological & physical science degrees were awarded at Cerritos College in the most recent year. Biological & Physical Science graduates of Cerritos College earn a median of $25,221 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $8,945 to complete this degree. Read more about the biological & physical science program at Cerritos College

25
Victor Valley College crest
Victor Valley College
Victorville, CA

Victor Valley College landed the #25 spot for biological & physical science this year. Located in the suburb of Victorville, Victor Valley College is a very large public university. About 552 biological & physical science degrees were awarded at Victor Valley College in the most recent year. Students who receive their biological & physical science degree from Victor Valley College earn around $26,780 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $9,205. Get the full biological & physical science details for Victor Valley College

Rest of the Top 50 Biological & Physical Science Schools

These schools also placed among the best for biological & physical science this year:

26
27
Ventura College crest
Ventura College
Ventura, CA
28
Diablo Valley College crest
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA
29
Saddleback College crest
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA
30
31
32
33
34
Santa Monica College crest
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA
35
36
Palomar College crest
Palomar College
San Marcos, CA
37
38
Yuba College crest
Yuba College
Marysville, CA
39
40
Grossmont College crest
Grossmont College
El Cajon, CA
41
Oakton Community College crest
Oakton Community College
Des Plaines, IL
42
Lake Land College crest
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL
43
44
45
46
Rock Valley College crest
Rock Valley College
Rockford, IL
47
Cypress College crest
Cypress College
Cypress, CA
48
East Los Angeles College crest
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA
49
50
Los Angeles Pierce College crest
Los Angeles Pierce College
Woodland Hills, CA

Additional Biological & Physical Science Award Winners

These schools also stood out for biological & physical science:

Rank School Location
#96 Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA

Honorable Mentions

A few more biological & physical science schools worth a look:

Other Biological & Physical Science Degree Levels

Explore the best biological & physical science schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Biological & Physical Science
Bachelor's Degrees in Biological & Physical Science
Master's Degrees in Biological & Physical Science
ADBLOCK #173
View All Biological & Physical Science Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 382 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options