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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Physical Science Schools in Pennsylvania

1 Colleges in the United States
$21,312 Avg Student Debt
$68,543 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Physical Science Badge [Physical Science](/majors/physical-sciences/general-physical-sciences/physical-science/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong physical science education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 12 schools to find the best return on investment for physical science students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Physical Science Schools in Pennsylvania

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical science, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Physical Science Schools

1

Leading the list is Reading Area Community College, our #1 best value for physical science in Pennsylvania. Set in the city of Reading, Reading Area Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,480, with out-of-state students paying around $12,510. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $13,979 in student loans. Physical Science graduates of Reading Area Community College earn a median of $49,248 early in their careers. Set against $13,979 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical science, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical science degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus generally make around $56,926. Set against $24,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%.

3
Villanova University crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA

Villanova University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical science, landing the #3 spot this year. Villanova University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Villanova. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Typical student debt for physical science graduates is $25,000. Early-career physical science graduates make about $72,601. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 12 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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