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2026 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in Illinois
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Physical Sciences Schools
For return on investment in physical sciences, no school beat University Of Illinois At Chicago this year. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $22,482. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $37,280. Set against $22,482 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in physical sciences will find it at Western Illinois University, which ranked #2. Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Macomb. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Western Illinois University generally make around $31,980. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.
Northern Illinois University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Located in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $23,537 to complete the physical sciences program here. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $43,061. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned it the #4 place for physical sciences. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public school located in the suburb of Edwardsville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville generally make around $46,659. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.
Eastern Illinois University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,293 to complete the physical sciences program here. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $43,603. That is a strong return on a $24,293 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%.
ADBLOCK #101
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #6 among the best values for physical sciences. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $21,597. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $72,225. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.
University Of Chicago earned the #7 position for value in physical sciences this year. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete the physical sciences program here. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $81,002. That is a strong return on a $15,854 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.
Lewis University placed #8 among the best values for physical sciences. Located in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $22,781. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $55,718. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.
Illinois State University placed #9 among the best values for physical sciences. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,875 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $49,660 early in their careers. Set against $24,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Illinois Institute Of Technology earned the #10 position for value in physical sciences this year. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Physical Sciences graduates of Illinois Institute Of Technology earn a median of $71,315 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
[Physical Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
