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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Physical Sciences (Income $0-$30k) in the Great Lakes Region

29 Ranked Colleges
1,016 Degrees Awarded
$32,900 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. College Factual has developed its “Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

Physical Sciences is the 18th most popular major in the country with 52,879 degrees awarded in 2019-2020. In 2017-2018, physical sciences graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $38,122 and had an average of $22,339 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Great Lakes region, there were 6,853 physical sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $40,984 and $22,875 respectively. At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 1,016 physical sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $74,428 and $121,375 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking analyzed 29 colleges that offered a degree in physical sciences. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent physical sciences programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the physical sciences program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank Physical Sciences Schools

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Physical Sciences (Income $0-$30k) in the Great Lakes Region

#1

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
#2 in overall quality

Out of the 29 schools in the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Northwestern University landed the #1 spot on the list. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Evanston, Illinois. The school has a large population, and it awarded 53 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Northwestern also made our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #2. Average graduate tuition and fees at Northwestern are $56,567, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Northwestern University

#2

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#1 in overall quality

Out of the 29 schools in the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Chicago landed the #2 spot on the list. University of Chicago is a fairly large school located in Chicago, Illinois that handed out 66 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UChicago, the school also landed the #1 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UChicago are $61,548, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Physical Sciences at University of Chicago

#3 in overall quality

Out of the 29 schools in the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor landed the #3 spot on the list. U-M is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 118 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

U-M not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #3 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at U-M are $49,548, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Physical Sciences at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

#5 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Wisconsin - Madison. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k. UW - Madison is a public institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. The school has a large population, and it awarded 84 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UW - Madison also took the #5 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Wisconsin - Madison are $25,523, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at University of Wisconsin - Madison

#6 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Champaign, Illinois is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s physical sciences degrees to 96 students in 2019-2020.

UIUC also took the #6 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are $30,083, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Physical Sciences at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

#6

Purdue University - Main Campus

West Lafayette, Indiana
#8 in overall quality

Purdue University - Main Campus landed the #6 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Purdue University - Main Campus is a public institution located in West Lafayette, Indiana. The school has a large population, and it awarded 88 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Purdue, the school also landed the #8 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Purdue are $28,794.

Full Purdue University - Main Campus Physical Sciences Report

#7 in overall quality

Ohio State University - Main Campus came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This large school is located in Columbus, Ohio, and it awarded 74 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

Ohio State also made our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #7. Average graduate tuition and fees at Ohio State University - Main Campus are $37,141, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Ohio State University - Main Campus Physical Sciences Report

#8

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana
#4 in overall quality

University of Notre Dame landed the #8 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution located in Notre Dame, Indiana. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 31 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Notre Dame, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Notre Dame are $57,522, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Notre Dame Physical Sciences Report

#9

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
#9 in overall quality

Michigan State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #9. Michigan State is a large school located in East Lansing, Michigan that handed out 65 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our great lakes region doctor’s degree physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k list, Michigan State has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Michigan State are $37,056, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Michigan State University

#10

Indiana University - Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana
#11 in overall quality

Indiana University - Bloomington came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Bloomington, Indiana is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s physical sciences degrees to 45 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our great lakes region doctor’s degree physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k list, IU Bloomington has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Indiana University - Bloomington are $33,338, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Physical Sciences at IU Bloomington

#23 in overall quality

With a ranking of #11, Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, this large public school awarded 6 degrees to qualified doctorate’s physical sciences students in 2019-2020.

IUPUI not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #23 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at IUPUI are $26,013, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full IUPUI Physical Sciences Report

#15 in overall quality

University of Illinois at Chicago landed the #12 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of Illinois at Chicago is a large public school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 17 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

UIC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #15 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UIC are $27,036, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of Illinois at Chicago Physical Sciences Report

#13

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
#22 in overall quality

Northern Illinois University landed the #13 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Northern Illinois University is a fairly large public school situated in Dekalb, Illinois. It awarded 9 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

NIU also made our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #22. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Northern Illinois University are $11,086.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at NIU

#19 in overall quality

Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #14 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Carbondale, Illinois, this fairly large public school handed out 8 degrees to qualified doctorate’s physical sciences students in 2019-2020.

SIUC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #19 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at SIUC are $32,928, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Southern Illinois University Carbondale Physical Sciences Report

#15

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, Michigan
#14 in overall quality

With a ranking of #15, Western Michigan University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, this fairly large public school handed out 12 degrees to qualified doctorate’s physical sciences students in 2019-2020.

WMU also made our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #14. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Western Michigan University are $31,355.

Full WMU Physical Sciences Report

#16

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, Michigan

Oakland University landed the #16 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Oakland University is a public institution located in Rochester Hills, Michigan. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Oakland University are $24,648, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Oakland

#13 in overall quality

Miami University - Oxford ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. This fairly large school is located in Oxford, Ohio, and it awarded 11 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

Miami University - Oxford did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #13 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Miami University - Oxford are $31,697, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Miami University - Oxford

#18

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
#20 in overall quality

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. UWM is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 14 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

UWM not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #20 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UWM are $25,295, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at UWM

#19

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Central Michigan University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #19. This fairly large school is located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and it awarded 4 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Central Michigan are $19,359, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Central Michigan University

#20

Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan
#24 in overall quality

Wayne State University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Wayne State is located in Detroit, Michigan and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 23 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our great lakes region doctor’s degree physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k list, Wayne State has also earned the #24 rank in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Wayne State are $37,215, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Wayne State University

#16 in overall quality

Kent State University at Kent did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #21. Kent State University at Kent is a large public school situated in Kent, Ohio. It awarded 22 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Kent State, the school also landed the #16 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Kent State are $21,952, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Kent State Physical Sciences Report

#10 in overall quality

Illinois Institute of Technology landed the #22 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 10 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s physical sciences students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our great lakes region doctor’s degree physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k list, Illinois Tech has also earned the #10 rank in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Illinois Institute of Technology are $30,695, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Illinois Institute of Technology

#23

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, Ohio
#25 in overall quality

With a ranking of #23, Cleveland State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Cleveland State University is located in Cleveland, Ohio and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 7 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

Cleveland State University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #25 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Cleveland State University are $17,622.

Full Cleveland State University Physical Sciences Report

#12 in overall quality

Case Western Reserve University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #24. This fairly large school is located in Cleveland, Ohio, and it awarded 17 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our great lakes region doctor’s degree physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k list, Case Western has also earned the #12 rank in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Case Western Reserve University are $47,958, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Physical Sciences at Case Western

#21 in overall quality

University of Akron Main Campus ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Akron, Ohio is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s physical sciences degrees to 29 students in 2019-2020.

University of Akron Main Campus did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #21 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Akron Main Campus are $15,217, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Physical Sciences at University of Akron Main Campus

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Notes and References

References

  • 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).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

Credits

  • Credit for the banner image above goes to NASA.

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