2026 Best Value Materials Sciences Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

1

University Of Delaware
Newark, DE

Leading the list is University Of Delaware, our #1 best value for materials sciences in the Middle Atlantic Region. University Of Delaware is a very large public school located in the suburb of Newark. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. 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.

2

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

A rank of #2 makes Columbia University In The City Of New York one of the best values for materials sciences. Set in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Materials Sciences graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Materials Sciences graduates of Columbia University In The City Of New York earn a median of $86,770 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.

3

University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY

A rank of #3 makes University At Buffalo one of the best values for materials sciences. Located in the suburb of Buffalo, University At Buffalo is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for materials sciences graduates is $22,232. Early-career materials sciences graduates make about $52,403. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants.

4

Rochester Institute Of Technology
Rochester, NY

Rochester Institute Of Technology came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value materials sciences schools. Set in the suburb of Rochester, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,210. Materials Sciences graduates carry a median of $27,491 in student loans. Materials Sciences graduates of Rochester Institute Of Technology earn a median of $63,515 early in their careers. Set against $27,491 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rochester Institute Of Technology admits about 67% of applicants.

5

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Carnegie Mellon University earned it the #5 place for materials sciences. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Typical student debt for materials sciences graduates is $23,529. 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. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.

6

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earned the #6 position for value in materials sciences this year. 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, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.