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2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k

20 Ranked Colleges
1,082 Degrees Awarded
$31,100 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

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 Far Western US region, there were 11,783 physical sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $39,974 and $20,331 respectively. At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 1,082 physical sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $72,342 and $136,270 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking analyzed 20 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.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the physical sciences program at the school. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

One Size Does Not Fit All

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 Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

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. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k.

Top 20 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Physical Sciences (Income $30-$48k) in the Far Western US Region

#1

Stanford University

Stanford, California
#1 in overall quality

Out of the 20 schools in the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Stanford University landed the #1 spot on the list. This fairly large school is located in Stanford, California, and it awarded 111 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

Stanford also made our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #1. Average graduate tuition and fees at Stanford University are $55,011, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Stanford University

#2

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California
#2 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California Institute of Technology. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k. Caltech is a small school located in Pasadena, California that handed out 43 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

Caltech not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #2 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Caltech are $56,649.

Full California Institute of Technology Physical Sciences Report

#4 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - Berkeley. It ranked #3 on our 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. UC Berkeley is a public institution located in Berkeley, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 139 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UC Berkeley not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Berkeley are $29,347, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Physical Sciences at University of California - Berkeley

#4

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
#3 in overall quality

Out of the 20 schools in the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Los Angeles landed the #4 spot on the list. Located in Los Angeles, California, this large public school awarded 69 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s physical sciences students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UCLA, the school also landed the #3 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UCLA are $28,131, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at UCLA

#9 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Washington - Seattle Campus. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k. University of Washington - Seattle Campus is located in Seattle, Washington and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 85 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

UW Seattle also took the #9 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UW Seattle are $30,294, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at UW Seattle

#8 in overall quality

University of California - Irvine landed the #6 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of California - Irvine is a public institution located in Irvine, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 75 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UC Irvine did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #8 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UC Irvine are $28,456.

Full UC Irvine Physical Sciences Report

#7

University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California
#6 in overall quality

University of California - Santa Barbara came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Santa Barbara, California, this large public school awarded 61 degrees to qualified doctorate’s physical sciences students in 2019-2020.

UCSB not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UCSB are $28,670, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full UCSB Physical Sciences Report

#14 in overall quality

With a ranking of #8, University of California - Riverside did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of California - Riverside is a public institution located in Riverside, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 49 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our far western us region doctor’s degree physical sciences students whose families make $30-$48k list, UCR has also earned the #14 rank in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UCR are $28,686, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Physical Sciences at University of California - Riverside

#5 in overall quality

University of California - Davis did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #8. Located in Davis, California, this large public school handed out 50 degrees to qualified doctorate’s physical sciences students in 2019-2020.

UC Davis not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #5 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Davis are $28,700.

Full UC Davis Physical Sciences Report

#10

San Diego State University

San Diego, California
#11 in overall quality

With a ranking of #10, San Diego State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. SDSU is a public institution located in San Diego, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 9 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at SDSU, the school also landed the #11 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at San Diego State University are $18,658, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at San Diego State University

#7 in overall quality

University of California - San Diego landed the #11 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. UCSD is a large public school situated in La Jolla, California. It awarded 100 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

UCSD also took the #7 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - San Diego are $28,631, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Physical Sciences at University of California - San Diego

#16 in overall quality

University of Nevada - Las Vegas did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #12. This large school is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it awarded 12 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

UNLV also made our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #16. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Nevada - Las Vegas are $21,962.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at University of Nevada - Las Vegas

#10 in overall quality

University of Nevada - Reno came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Reno, Nevada, this large public school handed out 19 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s physical sciences students in 2019-2020.

UNR did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #10 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UNR are $21,971, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of Nevada - Reno Physical Sciences Report

#14

Washington State University

Pullman, Washington
#18 in overall quality

Washington State University landed the #14 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Wazzu is a large school located in Pullman, Washington that handed out 24 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Wazzu, the school also landed the #18 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Wazzu are $27,561.

Read more about Physical Sciences at Washington State University

#17 in overall quality

With a ranking of #15, University of California - Merced did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of California - Merced is a public institution located in Merced, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 11 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UC Merced also made our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list, coming in at #17. Average graduate tuition and fees at UC Merced are $43,854, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full UC Merced Physical Sciences Report

#16

University of California - Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California
#13 in overall quality

University of California - Santa Cruz did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #16. Located in Santa Cruz, California, this fairly large public school handed out 40 degrees to qualified doctorate’s physical sciences students in 2019-2020.

UC Santa Cruz not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UC Santa Cruz are $28,952, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at University of California - Santa Cruz

#17

Portland State University

Portland, Oregon
#19 in overall quality

Portland State University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This large school is located in Portland, Oregon, and it awarded 9 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

Portland State University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #19 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Portland State University are $23,784, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Portland State University Physical Sciences Report

#18

University of Oregon

Eugene, Oregon
#11 in overall quality

University of Oregon did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #18. University of Oregon is a large public school situated in Eugene, Oregon. It awarded 50 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

UO not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UO are $29,991.

Read more about Physical Sciences at UO

#19

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, Hawaii
#15 in overall quality

University of Hawaii at Manoa ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of Hawaii at Manoa is a public institution located in Honolulu, Hawaii. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 23 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UH Manoa not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #15 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Hawaii at Manoa are $34,550, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of Hawaii at Manoa Physical Sciences Report

#20

Oregon State University

Corvallis, Oregon
#12 in overall quality

Oregon State University ranked #20 on this year’s Best Value Physical Sciences Schools for a Doctorate in the Far Western US Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Corvallis, Oregon, and it awarded 30 doctorate’s physical sciences degrees in 2019-2020.

Oregon State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #12 on our “Best Physical Sciences Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Oregon State University are $28,121.

Full Oregon State University Physical Sciences Report

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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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