College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k

43 Ranked Colleges
6,421 Degrees Awarded
$8,600 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k

With all of the options students have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take. At College Factual, we’re committed to helping you make that decision by providing information such as that found in our “Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking.

Physical Sciences is the 19th most popular major in the country with 50,306 degrees awarded in 2020-2021. In 2019-2020, physical sciences graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $39,880 and had an average of $22,620 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Great Lakes region, there were 6,421 physical sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $42,323 and $23,308 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking analyzed 43 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. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

More Ways to Rank Physical Sciences Schools

Rankings by Degree Other Award Levels
Rankings by Location Check Out Other Locales
More Physical Sciences Rankings Other Ranking Categories

The physical sciences school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k”.

We’ve created a tool called College Combat that lets you create your own customized comparisons based on the factors that matter the most to you. Test it out by comparing your favorite schools against others you are considering, or bookmark the tool so you can experiment with it later.

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

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

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

1
Northwestern crest
Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Northwestern University. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k. This large school is located in Evanston, Illinois, and it awarded 146 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

Northwestern did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Northwestern is $245 for Great Lakes Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 97%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Northwestern University

2
UChicago crest
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Chicago. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k. UChicago is a private not-for-profit institution located in Chicago, Illinois. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 317 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UChicago did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The yearly cost to attend University of Chicago is $2,500 for great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 100%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 5 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Full University of Chicago Physical Sciences Report

3

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, this large public school handed out 347 diplomas to qualified ’s physical sciences students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at U-M, the school also landed the #3 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for U-M is $2,670 for Great Lakes Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 96%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at U-M

4

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 in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k. University of Wisconsin - Madison is a public institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. The school has a large population, and it awarded 401 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UW - Madison did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #4 on our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The yearly cost to attend University of Wisconsin - Madison is $3,981 for great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 95%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full UW - Madison Physical Sciences Report

5

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is located in Champaign, Illinois and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 375 ’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UIUC, the school also landed the #5 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $4,858 for Great Lakes Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UIUC.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full UIUC Physical Sciences Report

6
Purdue crest
Purdue University - Main Campus
West Lafayette, Indiana

Purdue University - Main Campus did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #6. This large school is located in West Lafayette, Indiana, and it awarded 274 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

Purdue also made our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #9. It costs about $5,995 for great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Purdue University - Main Campus.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 93%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at Purdue

7

Indiana University - Bloomington ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. This large school is located in Bloomington, Indiana, and it awarded 154 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

IU Bloomington did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #11 on our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Indiana University - Bloomington is $5,752 for Great Lakes Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Indiana University - Bloomington

8

Ohio State University - Main Campus did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #8. This large school is located in Columbus, Ohio, and it awarded 310 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

Ohio State also made our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list, coming in at #8. The yearly cost to attend Ohio State University - Main Campus is $7,068 for Great Lakes Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Physical Sciences at Ohio State University - Main Campus

9
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan

Michigan State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #9. Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, Michigan and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 233 ’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

Michigan State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #10 on our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. It costs about $6,927 for great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Michigan State.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 91%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full Michigan State Physical Sciences Report

10
Notre Dame crest
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana

University of Notre Dame ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Notre Dame is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Notre Dame, Indiana. It awarded 99 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k list, Notre Dame has also earned the #6 rank in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Notre Dame is $9,872 for Great Lakes Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 97%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at University of Notre Dame

11

Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis landed the #11 spot on the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Indianapolis, Indiana is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s physical sciences degrees to 79 students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis is $7,026 for great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full IUPUI Physical Sciences Report

12
Beloit crest
Beloit College
Beloit, Wisconsin

Beloit College ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Beloit, Wisconsin, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 26 degrees to qualified ’s physical sciences students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k list, Beloit has also earned the #17 rank in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Beloit is $7,970 for Great Lakes Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 90%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Beloit College

13

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #13. Edwardsville, Illinois is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s physical sciences degrees to 42 students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k list, SIUE has also earned the #23 rank in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend SIUE is $8,047 for great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Physical Sciences at SIUE

14

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. La Crosse, Wisconsin is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s physical sciences degrees to 50 students in 2020-2021.

UW - La Crosse also took the #24 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of Wisconsin - La Crosse is $7,517 for Great Lakes Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

15
Jackson College crest
Jackson College
Jackson, Michigan

Jackson College landed the #15 spot on the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Jackson College is located in Jackson, Michigan and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 25 ’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

The yearly cost to attend Jackson College is $9,507 for great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 100%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full Jackson College Physical Sciences Report

16
Ball State crest
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana

Ball State University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Muncie, Indiana, this large public school handed out 57 diplomas to qualified ’s physical sciences students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $8,273 for Great Lakes Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Ball State.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.2% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Ball State University

17

University of Wisconsin - River Falls did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #17. Located in River Falls, Wisconsin, this medium-sized public school awarded 33 degrees to qualified ’s physical sciences students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $8,438 for great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend University of Wisconsin - River Falls.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at University of Wisconsin - River Falls

18

University of Illinois at Chicago came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This large school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 103 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

UIC also took the #15 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UIC is $10,549 for Great Lakes Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full University of Illinois at Chicago Physical Sciences Report

19

With a ranking of #19, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire is a fairly large school located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin that handed out 70 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

UW - Eau Claire also took the #14 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $9,547 for great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire.

Read more about Physical Sciences at University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

20

With a ranking of #20, Illinois Institute of Technology did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Illinois Institute of Technology is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 53 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

Illinois Tech not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #7 on our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Illinois Institute of Technology is $18,515 for great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full Illinois Institute of Technology Physical Sciences Report

21

Miami University - Oxford did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #21. Miami University - Oxford is a fairly large public school situated in Oxford, Ohio. It awarded 91 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Miami University - Oxford, the school also landed the #12 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $13,956 for Great Lakes Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Miami University - Oxford.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 88%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at Miami University - Oxford

22
WMU crest
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Western Michigan University ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, this fairly large public school handed out 79 diplomas to qualified ’s physical sciences students in 2020-2021.

WMU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #18 on our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Western Michigan University is $13,112 for Great Lakes Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at WMU

23
K College crest
Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Kalamazoo College ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. This small school is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and it awarded 61 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at K College, the school also landed the #19 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. It costs about $17,814 for Great Lakes Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend K College.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Kalamazoo College

24

University of Cincinnati - Main Campus ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Cincinnati, Ohio is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s physical sciences degrees to 114 students in 2020-2021.

UC also took the #13 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UC is $15,061 for great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 88%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Physical Sciences Report

25
Indiana State crest
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana

Indiana State University came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Great Lakes Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Indiana State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Terre Haute, Indiana. It awarded 20 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Indiana State is $10,104 for great lakes region physical sciences students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Physical Sciences at Indiana State

Switch to a Different Ranking Method

Notes and References

References

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

Credits

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options