by our College Data Analytics Team
[Physical Science](/majors/physical-sciences/general-physical-sciences/physical-science/) 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.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value physical science schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the physical science degrees they offer, see the list below.
Emory University tops our 2026 list of the best value physical science schools in Georgia. Located in the city of Atlanta, Emory University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,280. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $19,431 in student loans. Early-career physical science graduates make about $67,840. Set against $19,431 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.