2026 Best Value Materials Sciences Master’s Degree Schools

1

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

Leading the list is University Of California Santa Barbara, our #1 best value for materials sciences in the United States. Located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical student debt for materials sciences graduates is $15,501. Soon after graduation, materials sciences degree recipients from University Of California Santa Barbara generally make around $45,488. Set against $15,501 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants.

2

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Berkeley earned it the #2 place for materials sciences. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Materials Sciences graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. Materials Sciences graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $70,847 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants.

3

University Of Delaware
Newark, DE

University Of Delaware came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value materials sciences schools. University Of Delaware is a very large public school located in the suburb of Newark. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical student debt for materials sciences graduates is $24,861. Soon after graduation, materials sciences degree recipients from University Of Delaware generally make around $54,155. Set against $24,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants.

4

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York is a great value for students pursuing a degree in materials sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Typical student debt for materials sciences graduates is $23,258. Early-career materials sciences graduates make about $86,770. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

5

University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY

Students looking for strong value in materials sciences will find it at University At Buffalo, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Buffalo, University At Buffalo is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,232 to complete the materials sciences program here. Materials Sciences graduates of University At Buffalo earn a median of $52,403 early in their careers. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.

6

Rochester Institute Of Technology
Rochester, NY

Rochester Institute Of Technology placed #6 among the best values for materials sciences. Set in the suburb of Rochester, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $59,210 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for materials sciences graduates is $27,491. Early-career materials sciences graduates make about $63,515. Set against $27,491 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rochester Institute Of Technology admits about 67% of applicants.

7

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University landed the #7 spot for materials sciences value this year. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Materials Sciences graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Soon after graduation, materials sciences degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $89,327. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. The acceptance rate is 12%.