2026 Best Value Physical Science Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Tulsa Community College
Tulsa, OK

Leading the list is Tulsa Community College, our #1 best value for physical science in the Southwest Region. Set in the city of Tulsa, Tulsa Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,792, while out-of-state students pay about $9,720. Typical student debt for physical science graduates is $10,750. Physical Science graduates of Tulsa Community College earn a median of $41,718 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,750 median debt.

2

University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus
Gallup, NM

A rank of #2 makes University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus one of the best values for physical science. University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Gallup. Students from in state pay about $2,906 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,682. Typical student debt for physical science graduates is $10,986. Physical Science graduates of University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus earn a median of $35,132 early in their careers. Set against $10,986 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Northern Oklahoma College
Tonkawa, OK

A rank of #3 makes Northern Oklahoma College one of the best values for physical science. Northern Oklahoma College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Tonkawa. In-state tuition and fees average $5,083, with out-of-state students paying around $11,848. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $11,811 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical science degree recipients from Northern Oklahoma College generally make around $40,565. Set against $11,811 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Rio Salado College
Tempe, AZ

Rio Salado College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical science, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Rio Salado College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,958. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $13,679 in student loans. Early-career physical science graduates make about $48,564. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

University Of New Mexico Valencia County Campus
Los Lunas, NM

University Of New Mexico Valencia County Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical science, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the rural area of Los Lunas, University Of New Mexico Valencia County Campus is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,878 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $10,986 in student loans. Early-career physical science graduates make about $35,132. Set against $10,986 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix College placed #6 among the best values for physical science. Set in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physical science graduates is $15,204. Physical Science graduates of Phoenix College earn a median of $51,053 early in their careers. Set against $15,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

University Of New Mexico Taos Campus
Ranchos de Taos, NM

University Of New Mexico Taos Campus came in at #7 for value in physical science this year. University Of New Mexico Taos Campus is a small public school located in the rural area of Ranchos de Taos. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, compared with $5,136 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,986 to complete the physical science program here. Physical Science graduates of University Of New Mexico Taos Campus earn a median of $35,132 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Glendale Community College Glendale Az
Glendale, AZ

Glendale Community College Glendale Az ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value physical science schools. Set in the suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $15,996 to complete the physical science program here. Physical Science graduates of Glendale Community College Glendale Az earn a median of $51,483 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

South Mountain Community College
Phoenix, AZ

South Mountain Community College earned the #9 position for value in physical science this year. South Mountain Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Phoenix. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,958 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,825 ten years after entry.

10

Estrella Mountain Community College
Avondale, AZ

Estrella Mountain Community College placed #10 among the best values for physical science. Located in the suburb of Avondale, Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for physical science graduates is $21,752. Early-career physical science graduates make about $78,359. That is a strong return on a $21,752 median debt.

11

Chandler Gilbert Community College
Chandler, AZ

Chandler Gilbert Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value physical science schools. Located in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $10,447 in student loans. Physical Science graduates of Chandler Gilbert Community College earn a median of $46,943 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ

Mesa Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value physical science schools. Set in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete the physical science program here. Early-career physical science graduates make about $54,730. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt.

13

Paradise Valley Community College
Phoenix, AZ

Paradise Valley Community College earned the #13 position for value in physical science this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, Paradise Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $14,204 in student loans. Physical Science graduates of Paradise Valley Community College earn a median of $71,136 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

14

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University came in at #14 for value in physical science this year. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Early-career physical science graduates make about $41,421. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.

15

Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value physical science schools. Located in the rural area of Scottsdale, Scottsdale 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 $13,084 to complete the physical science program here. Soon after graduation, physical science degree recipients from Scottsdale Community College generally make around $48,039. That is a strong return on a $13,084 median debt.