by our College Data Analytics Team
[Physical Sciences](/majors/physical-sciences/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value physical sciences schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in physical sciences, no school beat Yale University this year. Yale University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New Haven. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete the physical sciences program here. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $65,336. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. Yale University admits about 4% of applicants.
Eastern Connecticut State University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Eastern Connecticut State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Willimantic. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,928, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the physical sciences program here. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $43,915. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Southern Connecticut State University one of the best values for physical sciences. Located in the city of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,442 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,942. Students borrow a median of $28,500 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of Southern Connecticut State University earn a median of $40,767 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Connecticut State University admits about 92% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in physical sciences will find it at University Of Connecticut, which ranked #4. University Of Connecticut is a very large public school located in the town of Storrs. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $26,226. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from University Of Connecticut generally make around $43,630. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.
Wesleyan University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Middletown, Wesleyan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,042. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $16,125. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Wesleyan University generally make around $39,764. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wesleyan University admits about 16% of applicants.
Saint Joseph College placed #6 among the best values for physical sciences. Located in the city of West Hartford, Saint Joseph College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $47,278. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $27,798 in student loans. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $75,782. That is a strong return on a $27,798 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.
University Of New Haven ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value physical sciences schools. University Of New Haven is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of West Haven. Students from in state pay about $47,332 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from University Of New Haven generally make around $49,615. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%.
Sacred Heart University placed #8 among the best values for physical sciences. Set in the suburb of Fairfield, Sacred Heart University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,404. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,831 in student loans. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $62,864. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.