by our College Data Analytics Team
[Physical Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong physical sciences education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 39 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value physical sciences schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the physical sciences degrees they offer, see the list below.
Saint Cloud State University earned the #1 spot for value among physical sciences schools in Minnesota. Located in the city of Saint Cloud, Saint Cloud State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $51,625. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.
Students looking for strong value in physical sciences will find it at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,062 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $48,954 early in their careers. Set against $22,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Minnesota Duluth one of the best values for physical sciences. Located in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Students borrow a median of $23,952 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of University Of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of $44,674 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,952 median debt. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants.
Metropolitan State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Saint Paul, Metropolitan State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $29,646. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $54,195. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at St Olaf College earned it the #5 place for physical sciences. Set in the town of Northfield, St Olaf College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,760. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $24,486. Physical Sciences graduates of St Olaf College earn a median of $44,020 early in their careers. Set against $24,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%.
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The College Of Saint Scholastica placed #6 among the best values for physical sciences. Set in the city of Duluth, The College Of Saint Scholastica is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,778. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $26,755. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from The College Of Saint Scholastica generally make around $60,431. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Gustavus Adolphus College earned the #7 position for value in physical sciences this year. Gustavus Adolphus College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Saint Peter. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,076. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,532 in student loans. Physical Sciences graduates of Gustavus Adolphus College earn a median of $44,396 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gustavus Adolphus College admits about 61% of applicants.
Carleton College placed #8 among the best values for physical sciences. Located in the town of Northfield, Carleton College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,892. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Carleton College generally make around $40,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carleton College admits about 20% of applicants.
Bethel University Minnesota earned the #9 position for value in physical sciences this year. Located in the suburb of Saint Paul, Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $44,226 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $25,639. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $61,465. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published 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 · 39 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.