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2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k

16 Ranked Colleges
2,881 Degrees Awarded
$12,300 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. College Factual has developed its “Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

In 2020-2021, 50,306 people earned their degree in physical sciences, making the major the 19th most popular in the United States. 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 Plains States region, there were 2,881 physical sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $34,796 and $23,945 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking analyzed 16 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. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

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Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

One of our other unique offerings is College Combat. This tool lets you build your own customized comparisons utilizing the factors that are most important to you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k.

Top 16 Best Value Colleges for Physical Sciences (Income $30-$48k) in the Plains States Region

1

Out of the 16 schools in the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities landed the #1 spot on the list. UMN Twin Cities is a public institution located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The school has a large population, and it awarded 343 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our plains states region physical sciences students whose families make $30-$48k list, UMN Twin Cities has also earned the #1 rank in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. It costs about $8,609 for plains states region physical sciences students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

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 undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full UMN Twin Cities Physical Sciences Report

2

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Minnesota - Morris. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k. University of Minnesota - Morris is a small school located in Morris, Minnesota that handed out 20 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our plains states region physical sciences students whose families make $30-$48k list, UMN Morris has also earned the #14 rank in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UMN Morris is $2,230 for plains states region physical sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

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%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at University of Minnesota - Morris

3

Out of the 16 schools in the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, Iowa State University landed the #3 spot on the list. Ames, Iowa is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s physical sciences degrees to 129 students in 2020-2021.

Iowa State also made our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #2. It costs about $11,427 for Plains States Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Iowa State University.

With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Iowa State University

4

Out of the 16 schools in the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Minnesota - Duluth landed the #4 spot on the list. UMN Duluth is a medium-sized public school situated in Duluth, Minnesota. It awarded 84 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

UMN Duluth also made our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #8. The yearly cost to attend University of Minnesota - Duluth is $8,697 for plains states region physical sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

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%.

Full UMN Duluth Physical Sciences Report

5

Out of the 16 schools in the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Missouri - St Louis landed the #5 spot on the list. University of Missouri - St Louis is a public institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 27 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UMSL did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #12 on our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The yearly cost to attend University of Missouri - St Louis is $8,324 for plains states region physical sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.6% 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%.

Full University of Missouri - St Louis Physical Sciences Report

6
Carleton crest
Carleton College
Northfield, Minnesota

Carleton College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Carleton is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Northfield, Minnesota. It awarded 61 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Carleton, the school also landed the #5 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Carleton College is $13,410 for Plains States Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 0.8% 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 more about Physical Sciences at Carleton College

7
St. Olaf crest
St Olaf College
Northfield, Minnesota

St Olaf College landed the #7 spot on the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. St Olaf College is located in Northfield, Minnesota and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 47 ’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

St. Olaf not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #3 on our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for St Olaf College is $11,138 for Plains States Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.8%, 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 91%.

Read more about Physical Sciences at St Olaf College

8

University of Missouri - Columbia landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Mizzou is a large public school situated in Columbia, Missouri. It awarded 94 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Mizzou, the school also landed the #7 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of Missouri - Columbia is $11,386 for Plains States Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.5% 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 89%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at University of Missouri - Columbia

9

University of Missouri - Kansas City came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of Missouri - Kansas City is located in Kansas City, Missouri and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 114 ’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

UMKC also took the #9 spot in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of Missouri - Kansas City is $13,751 for plains states region physical sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full UMKC Physical Sciences Report

10
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa

University of Iowa did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #10. This large school is located in Iowa City, Iowa, and it awarded 132 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

Iowa did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #4 on our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of Iowa is $15,508 for Plains States Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 88%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.2%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full University of Iowa Physical Sciences Report

11
Lindenwood University crest
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, Missouri

Lindenwood University ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Lindenwood University is located in Saint Charles, Missouri and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 22 ’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

Lindenwood University also made our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #6. The estimated yearly cost for Lindenwood University is $13,008 for Plains States Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

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%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Lindenwood University

12

Missouri State University - Springfield came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Missouri State University - Springfield is located in Springfield, Missouri and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 119 ’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

Missouri State also made our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #10. It costs about $13,144 for plains states region physical sciences students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Missouri State University - Springfield.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.9% 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%.

Full Missouri State University - Springfield Physical Sciences Report

13

Wichita State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #13. Located in Wichita, Kansas, this fairly large public school awarded 28 degrees to qualified ’s physical sciences students in 2020-2021.

WSU also made our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #15. The yearly cost to attend WSU is $12,272 for Plains States Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full WSU Physical Sciences Report

14
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas

University of Kansas landed the #14 spot on the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. KU is a large public school situated in Lawrence, Kansas. It awarded 106 ’s physical sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

KU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for KU is $16,288 for plains states region physical sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.3% 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 86%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at KU

15
Winona State crest
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota

Winona State University ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Winona State is located in Winona, Minnesota and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 29 ’s physical sciences degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our plains states region physical sciences students whose families make $30-$48k list, Winona State has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Winona State University is $12,963 for Plains States Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Winona State Physical Sciences Report

16
Creighton crest
Creighton University
Omaha, Nebraska

Creighton University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #16. Omaha, Nebraska is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s physical sciences degrees to 42 students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our plains states region physical sciences students whose families make $30-$48k list, Creighton has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Physical Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Creighton University is $24,655 for Plains States Region Physical Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 92%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Physical Sciences at Creighton University

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