2026 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Austin Community College District
Austin, TX

Austin Community College District earned the #1 spot for value among physical sciences schools in the Southwest Region. Austin Community College District is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. Students from in state pay about $2,550 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $12,412. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $44,895. Set against $12,412 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

The University Of Texas Pan American
Edinburg, TX

A rank of #2 makes The University Of Texas Pan American one of the best values for physical sciences. Located in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $10,500. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $22,913. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants.

3

Tulsa Community College
Tulsa, OK

A rank of #3 makes Tulsa Community College one of the best values for physical sciences. Located in the city of Tulsa, Tulsa Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,792 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,720 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,750 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of Tulsa Community College earn a median of $41,718 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

New Mexico State University Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM

Students looking for strong value in physical sciences will find it at New Mexico State University Main Campus, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,026 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of New Mexico State University Main Campus earn a median of $41,860 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

5

New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology
Socorro, NM

A rank of #5 makes New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology one of the best values for physical sciences. Located in the town of Socorro, New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,476, while out-of-state students pay about $27,247. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $18,747 in student loans. Physical Sciences graduates of New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology earn a median of $64,561 early in their careers. Set against $18,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology admits about 44% of applicants.

6

University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus
Gallup, NM

University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus landed the #6 spot for physical sciences value this year. Set in the town of Gallup, University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,906, with out-of-state students paying around $5,682. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $10,986 in student loans. Physical Sciences graduates of University Of New Mexico Gallup Campus earn a median of $35,132 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,986 median debt.

7

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin
Odessa, TX

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin earned the #7 position for value in physical sciences this year. Located in the city of Odessa, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,607, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $20,052. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $60,503. That is a strong return on a $20,052 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.

8

Northern Oklahoma College
Tonkawa, OK

Northern Oklahoma College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Northern Oklahoma College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Tonkawa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,083, compared with $11,848 for out-of-state students. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $11,811 in student loans. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $40,565. That is a strong return on a $11,811 median debt.

9

Rio Salado College
Tempe, AZ

Rio Salado College placed #9 among the best values for physical sciences. Located in the city of Tempe, Rio Salado College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,958. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $13,679. Physical Sciences graduates of Rio Salado College earn a median of $48,564 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,679 median debt.

10

Arizona Western College
Yuma, AZ

Arizona Western College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Arizona Western College is a large public school located in the city of Yuma. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,060, compared with $9,870 for out-of-state students. Physical Sciences graduates of Arizona Western College earn a median of $44,895 early in their careers.

11

University Of Houston Clear Lake
Houston, TX

University Of Houston Clear Lake earned the #11 position for value in physical sciences this year. University Of Houston Clear Lake is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Houston. Students from in state pay about $8,346 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,290 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,100 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of University Of Houston Clear Lake earn a median of $51,252 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston Clear Lake admits about 90% of applicants.

12

The University Of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX

The University Of Texas At El Paso earned the #12 position for value in physical sciences this year. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public school located in the city of El Paso. In-state tuition and fees average $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $19,819. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $48,335. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%.

13

Rice University
Houston, TX

Rice University came in at #13 for value in physical sciences this year. Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Houston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $11,904 in student loans. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $75,299. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%.

14

University Of New Mexico Valencia County Campus
Los Lunas, NM

University Of New Mexico Valencia County Campus ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value physical sciences schools. University Of New Mexico Valencia County Campus is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Los Lunas. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,878, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $10,986 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from University Of New Mexico Valencia County Campus generally make around $35,132. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

Lamar University
Beaumont, TX

Lamar University earned the #15 position for value in physical sciences this year. Set in the city of Beaumont, Lamar University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $26,988. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $52,678. Set against $26,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

16

The University Of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

The University Of Texas At San Antonio landed the #16 spot for physical sciences value this year. Located in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,326, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. Students borrow a median of $22,614 to complete the physical sciences program here. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $39,469. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At San Antonio admits about 87% of applicants.

17

University Of New Mexico Taos Campus
Ranchos de Taos, NM

University Of New Mexico Taos Campus placed #17 among the best values for physical sciences. University Of New Mexico Taos Campus is a small public school located in the rural area of Ranchos de Taos. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, compared with $5,136 for out-of-state students. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $10,986 in student loans. Physical Sciences graduates of University Of New Mexico Taos Campus earn a median of $35,132 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

18

Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix College placed #18 among the best values for physical sciences. Located in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $15,204. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Phoenix College generally make around $51,053. Set against $15,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

19

Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK

Northeastern State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Located in the town of Tahlequah, Northeastern State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,465 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of Northeastern State University earn a median of $49,353 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%.

20

Glendale Community College Glendale Az
Glendale, AZ

Glendale Community College Glendale Az ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glendale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $15,996 in student loans. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $51,483. Set against $15,996 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

21

Texas A And M University Commerce
Commerce, TX

Texas A And M University Commerce landed the #21 spot for physical sciences value this year. Located in the town of Commerce, Texas A And M University Commerce is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,026 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,326. Students borrow a median of $23,796 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of Texas A And M University Commerce earn a median of $65,563 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

22

Chandler Gilbert Community College
Chandler, AZ

Chandler Gilbert Community College landed the #22 spot for physical sciences value this year. Located in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $10,447. Physical Sciences graduates of Chandler Gilbert Community College earn a median of $46,943 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,447 median debt.

23

University Of Houston
Houston, TX

University Of Houston earned the #23 position for value in physical sciences this year. University Of Houston is a very large public school located in the city of Houston. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $19,222 in student loans. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $67,696. That is a strong return on a $19,222 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

24

Estrella Mountain Community College
Avondale, AZ

Estrella Mountain Community College landed the #24 spot for physical sciences value this year. Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Avondale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $21,752 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Estrella Mountain Community College generally make around $78,359. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

25

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University placed #25 among the best values for physical sciences. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $23,035 in student loans. Physical Sciences graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $36,808 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.