2027 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in Oregon

[Physical Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value physical sciences schools.
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2027 Best Value Physical Sciences Schools in Oregon
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Physical Sciences Schools
For return on investment in physical sciences, no school beat Portland State University this year. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,033 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Portland State University generally make around $40,819. That is a strong return on a $26,033 median debt. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.
Oregon State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,190. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $23,289. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Oregon State University generally make around $42,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Oregon is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,320, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. Students borrow a median of $22,699 to complete the physical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from University Of Oregon generally make around $70,315. Set against $22,699 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oregon admits about 88% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in physical sciences will find it at Willamette University, which ranked #4. Willamette University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Salem. In-state tuition and fees average $51,156. Students borrow a median of $21,520 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of Willamette University earn a median of $41,892 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Portland is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Portland, University Of Portland is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,100. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $22,900. Physical Sciences graduates of University Of Portland earn a median of $54,739 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Reed College came in at #6 for value in physical sciences this year. Set in the city of Portland, Reed College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,350. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $21,137. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Reed College generally make around $30,588. Set against $21,137 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 25%.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
- 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.