by our College Data Analytics Team
[Physical Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 12 schools to find the best return on investment for physical sciences students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the physical sciences degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Middlesex County College, our #1 best value for physical sciences in New Jersey. Located in the suburb of Edison, Middlesex County College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,764, with out-of-state students paying around $7,356. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $7,250 in student loans. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $27,136. That is a strong return on a $7,250 median debt.
Princeton University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Located in the city of Princeton, Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,688. Students borrow a median of $10,888 to complete the physical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Princeton University generally make around $67,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Princeton University admits about 5% of applicants.
Montclair State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $24,031 to complete the physical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Montclair State University generally make around $50,186. That is a strong return on a $24,031 median debt. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in physical sciences will find it at New Jersey Institute Of Technology, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Newark, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,974, with out-of-state students paying around $37,664. Students borrow a median of $24,755 to complete the physical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from New Jersey Institute Of Technology generally make around $71,549. That is a strong return on a $24,755 median debt. New Jersey Institute Of Technology admits about 65% of applicants.
William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a large public school located in the suburb of Wayne. Students from in state pay about $15,704 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,344. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $25,644. Physical Sciences graduates of William Paterson University Of New Jersey earn a median of $46,981 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Rutgers University Camden placed #6 among the best values for physical sciences. Located in the city of Camden, Rutgers University Camden is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,764, compared with $37,276 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,776 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of Rutgers University Camden earn a median of $44,949 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,776 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%.
The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value physical sciences schools. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a large public school located in the rural area of Galloway. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,266, while out-of-state students pay about $24,524. Students borrow a median of $24,990 to complete the physical sciences program here. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $43,490. That is a strong return on a $24,990 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Rowan University landed the #8 spot for physical sciences value this year. Set in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $27,000. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $46,033. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants.
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #9 for value in physical sciences this year. Set in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,897 to complete the physical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Rutgers University New Brunswick generally make around $51,369. That is a strong return on a $24,897 median debt. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants.
The College Of New Jersey earned the #10 position for value in physical sciences this year. Set in the suburb of Ewing, The College Of New Jersey is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $27,000. Physical Sciences graduates of The College Of New Jersey earn a median of $56,617 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.
Monmouth University ranked #11 on our 2027 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Monmouth University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of West Long Branch. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,552. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $27,000. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $43,512. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Monmouth University admits about 89% of applicants.
Seton Hall University came in at #12 for value in physical sciences this year. Located in the suburb of South Orange, Seton Hall University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $53,170. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Seton Hall University generally make around $63,871. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Seton Hall University admits about 73% of applicants.
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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
