2026 Best Physical Science Schools in the Great Lakes Region

Physical Science degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 15 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best physical science schools.

What’s on this page:

• Best Physical Science Schools in the Great Lakes Region

Best Schools for Physical Science in the Great Lakes Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the physical science degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Physical Science

1

Jackson Community College
Jackson, MI

Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type

35 Physical Science Degrees Awarded

$41,322 Median Starting Salary

Jackson Community College is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in physical science. Set in the rural area of Jackson, Jackson Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. About 33% of students finish within six years. Jackson Community College awarded about 35 physical science degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, physical science degree recipients from Jackson Community College generally make around $41,322. Students borrow a median of $16,960 to complete this degree. Get the full physical science details for Jackson Community College

2

North Central Michigan College
Petoskey, MI

Master's Degree Highest Degree Type

20 Physical Science Degrees Awarded

$42,952 Median Starting Salary

Students looking for a strong physical science program will find one at North Central Michigan College, which ranked #2. This mid-sized public university is located in the town of Petoskey. North Central Michigan College awarded about 20 physical science degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physical science degree from North Central Michigan College earn around $42,952 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $12,398 to complete this degree. Read more about the physical science program at North Central Michigan College

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 15 schools evaluated.

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).

More about our data sources and methodologies.