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2026 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in Mississippi

1 Colleges in the United States
$22,393 Avg Student Debt
$44,916 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Physical Sciences Badge [Physical Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 21 schools to find the best return on investment for physical sciences students.

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2026 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in Mississippi

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Physical Sciences Schools

1

For return on investment in physical sciences, no school beat Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College this year. Set in the rural area of Perkinston, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,250, with out-of-state students paying around $7,850. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $11,653. Physical Sciences graduates of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College earn a median of $34,214 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,653 median debt.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Mississippi Main Campus earned it the #2 place for physical sciences. Set in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,772, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $26,219. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $35,132. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Southern Mississippi is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Hattiesburg, University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of University Of Southern Mississippi earn a median of $52,338 early in their careers. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.

4
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mississippi State University earned it the #4 place for physical sciences. Located in the town of Mississippi State, Mississippi State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $26,286. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Mississippi State University generally make around $53,101. Set against $26,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 21 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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