2026 Best Value Optics/Optical Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

Our analysis ranked Washington State University the best value for a degree in optics/optical sciences in the United States. Set in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical student debt for optics/optical sciences graduates is $21,903. Early-career optics/optical sciences graduates make about $54,697. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants.

2

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Davis earned it the #2 place for optics/optical sciences. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,464 to complete the optics/optical sciences program here. Early-career optics/optical sciences graduates make about $53,749. That is a strong return on a $16,464 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.

3

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC

Students looking for strong value in optics/optical sciences will find it at University Of North Carolina At Charlotte, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Typical student debt for optics/optical sciences graduates is $28,750. Optics/optical Sciences graduates of University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earn a median of $70,150 early in their careers. Set against $28,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.

4

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Arizona earned it the #4 place for optics/optical sciences. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $20,650 to complete the optics/optical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, optics/optical sciences degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $107,496. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

5

Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA

A rank of #5 makes Bridgewater State University one of the best values for optics/optical sciences. Located in the suburb of Bridgewater, Bridgewater State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,734, while out-of-state students pay about $17,874. Typical student debt for optics/optical sciences graduates is $26,632. Soon after graduation, optics/optical sciences degree recipients from Bridgewater State University generally make around $48,937. Set against $26,632 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bridgewater State University admits about 88% of applicants.

6

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value optics/optical sciences schools. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical student debt for optics/optical sciences graduates is $23,357. Soon after graduation, optics/optical sciences degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $58,088. That is a strong return on a $23,357 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%.

7

Clemson University
Clemson, SC

Clemson University earned the #7 position for value in optics/optical sciences this year. Set in the suburb of Clemson, Clemson University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Students borrow a median of $23,783 to complete the optics/optical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, optics/optical sciences degree recipients from Clemson University generally make around $53,834. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants.

8

Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University placed #8 among the best values for optics/optical sciences. Located in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the optics/optical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, optics/optical sciences degree recipients from Rowan University generally make around $36,435. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

9

Rochester Institute Of Technology
Rochester, NY

Rochester Institute Of Technology placed #9 among the best values for optics/optical sciences. Located in the suburb of Rochester, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,210. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the optics/optical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, optics/optical sciences degree recipients from Rochester Institute Of Technology generally make around $48,374. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%.

10

University Of Rochester
Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value optics/optical sciences schools. University Of Rochester is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Rochester. In-state tuition and fees average $67,080. Typical student debt for optics/optical sciences graduates is $19,000. Optics/optical Sciences graduates of University Of Rochester earn a median of $60,865 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted.