by our College Data Analytics Team
[Natural Sciences](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/natural-sciences/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong natural sciences education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 17 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value natural sciences schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in natural sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is American Public University System, our #1 best value for natural sciences in the Southeast Region. American Public University System is a very large private for-profit school located in the town of Charles Town. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Natural Sciences graduates carry a median of $23,438 in student loans. Early-career natural sciences graduates make about $57,404. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt.
Christian Brothers University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value natural sciences schools. Christian Brothers University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Memphis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,420. Natural Sciences graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career natural sciences graduates make about $33,145. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bossier Parish Community College earned it the #3 place for natural sciences. Located in the city of Bossier City, Bossier Parish Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,268. Students borrow a median of $21,610 to complete the natural sciences program here. Soon after graduation, natural sciences degree recipients from Bossier Parish Community College generally make around $25,713. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
National Park Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in natural sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Hot Springs, National Park Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,600, while out-of-state students pay about $7,280. Typical student debt for natural sciences graduates is $14,162. Early-career natural sciences graduates make about $42,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Virginia Commonwealth University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in natural sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Students borrow a median of $23,813 to complete the natural sciences program here. Early-career natural sciences graduates make about $57,000. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.
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This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 17 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.