2026 Best Value Materials Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

Leading the list is University Of California Berkeley, our #1 best value for materials sciences 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. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete the materials sciences program here. Soon after graduation, materials sciences degree recipients from University Of California Berkeley generally make around $70,847. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants.

2

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

A rank of #2 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for materials sciences. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Materials Sciences graduates carry a median of $21,861 in student loans. Materials Sciences graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $50,834 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Delaware
Newark, DE

University Of Delaware is a great value for students pursuing a degree in materials sciences, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical student debt for materials sciences graduates is $24,861. Materials Sciences graduates of University Of Delaware earn a median of $54,155 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.

4

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value materials sciences schools. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete the materials sciences program here. Soon after graduation, materials sciences degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $89,327. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 12%.

5

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

A rank of #5 makes Pennsylvania State University Main Campus one of the best values for materials sciences. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,644, with out-of-state students paying around $41,790. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 61%.