by our College Data Analytics Team
[Physical Science](/majors/physical-sciences/general-physical-sciences/physical-science/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for physical science students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical science, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in physical science, no school beat Rio Salado College this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Rio Salado College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,958 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physical science graduates is $13,679. Physical Science 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.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Glendale Community College Glendale Az earned it the #2 place for physical science. Set in the suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $15,996 to complete the physical science program here. Early-career physical science graduates make about $51,483. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Phoenix College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value physical science schools. Set in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $15,204 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical science degree recipients from Phoenix College generally make around $51,053. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in physical science will find it at Mesa Community College, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $13,750 in student loans. Early-career physical science graduates make about $54,730. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Paradise Valley Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical science, landing the #5 spot this year. Paradise Valley Community College is a large public school located in the city of Phoenix. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Physical Science graduates carry a median of $14,204 in student loans. Physical Science graduates of Paradise Valley Community College earn a median of $71,136 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,204 median debt.
Estrella Mountain Community College placed #6 among the best values for physical science. Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Avondale. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Typical student debt for physical science graduates is $21,752. Physical Science graduates of Estrella Mountain Community College earn a median of $78,359 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,752 median debt.
Chandler Gilbert Community College ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value physical science schools. Chandler Gilbert Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Chandler. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,447 to complete the physical science program here. Early-career physical science graduates make about $46,943. That is a strong return on a $10,447 median debt.
Scottsdale Community College earned the #8 position for value in physical science this year. Located in the rural area of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $13,084 to complete the physical science program here. Physical Science graduates of Scottsdale Community College earn a median of $48,039 early in their careers. Set against $13,084 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Arizona State University landed the #9 spot for physical science value this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical student debt for physical science graduates is $22,250. Early-career physical science graduates make about $41,421. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.