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

1

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

For return on investment in optics/optical sciences, no school beat University Of California Davis this year. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Optics/optical Sciences graduates carry a median of $16,464 in student loans. Early-career optics/optical sciences graduates make about $53,749. That is a strong return on a $16,464 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

Students looking for strong value in optics/optical sciences will find it at University Of Arizona, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Typical student debt for optics/optical sciences graduates is $20,650. Early-career optics/optical sciences graduates make about $107,496. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM

University Of New Mexico Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value optics/optical sciences schools. University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Albuquerque. In-state tuition and fees average $10,140, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,738 to complete the optics/optical sciences program here. Early-career optics/optical sciences graduates make about $49,983. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

4

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

A rank of #4 makes Ohio State University Main Campus one of the best values for optics/optical sciences. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $23,357 to complete the optics/optical sciences program here. Optics/optical Sciences graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $58,088 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,357 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%.

5

Montana State University
Bozeman, MT

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Montana State University earned it the #5 place for optics/optical sciences. Located in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,287. Typical student debt for optics/optical sciences graduates is $23,635. Optics/optical Sciences graduates of Montana State University earn a median of $47,703 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.

6

Rochester Institute Of Technology
Rochester, NY

Rochester Institute Of Technology came in at #6 for value in optics/optical sciences this year. 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. 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. Rochester Institute Of Technology admits about 67% of applicants.

7

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value optics/optical sciences schools. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Optics/optical Sciences graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. Early-career optics/optical sciences graduates make about $56,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants.

8

University Of Rochester
Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester earned the #8 position for value in optics/optical sciences this year. University Of Rochester is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Rochester. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,080. Typical student debt for optics/optical sciences graduates is $19,000. Soon after graduation, optics/optical sciences degree recipients from University Of Rochester generally make around $60,865. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Rochester admits about 40% of applicants.