2026 Best Value General Materials Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

Leading the list is University Of California Berkeley, our #1 best value for general materials science in the United States. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical student debt for general materials science graduates is $14,238. Early-career general materials science graduates make about $70,847. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants.

2

University Of Delaware
Newark, DE

A rank of #2 makes University Of Delaware one of the best values for general materials science. Located in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Students borrow a median of $24,861 to complete the general materials science program here. Soon after graduation, general materials science degree recipients from University Of Delaware generally make around $54,155. Set against $24,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Arizona earned it the #3 place for general materials science. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. General Materials Science graduates carry a median of $21,861 in student loans. Early-career general materials science graduates make about $50,834. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

4

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

A rank of #4 makes Carnegie Mellon University one of the best values for general materials science. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. General Materials Science graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. General Materials Science graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $89,327 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.

5

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general materials science schools. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $20,644, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.