by our College Data Analytics Team
[Physical Science](/majors/physical-sciences/general-physical-sciences/physical-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for physical science students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the physical science degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in physical science, no school beat Rio Salado College this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Rio Salado College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Set against $13,679 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Phoenix College earned it the #2 place for physical science. Phoenix College is a large public school located in the city of Phoenix. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $15,204 in student loans. 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.
Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical science, landing the #3 spot this year. Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glendale. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for physical science graduates is $15,996. Soon after graduation, physical science degree recipients from Glendale Community College Glendale Az generally make around $51,483. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Mountain Community College earned it the #4 place for physical science. Located in the city of Phoenix, South Mountain Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,958 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,825.
Estrella Mountain Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value physical science schools. Set in the suburb of Avondale, Estrella Mountain Community College is a large 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 $21,752 in student loans. Early-career physical science graduates make about $78,359. Set against $21,752 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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Chandler Gilbert Community College landed the #6 spot for physical science value this year. Located in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, 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. Set against $10,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Mesa Community College earned the #7 position for value in physical science this year. Set in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete the physical science program here. Soon after graduation, physical science degree recipients from Mesa Community College generally make around $54,730. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Paradise Valley Community College earned the #8 position for value in physical science this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, Paradise Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. 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 $14,204. 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.
Arizona State University landed the #9 spot for physical science value this year. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physical science graduates is $22,250. Soon after graduation, physical science degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $41,421. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Scottsdale Community College landed the #10 spot for physical science value this year. Scottsdale Community College is a large public school located in the rural area of Scottsdale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $13,084 in student loans. Early-career physical science graduates make about $48,039. Set against $13,084 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, 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 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.