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.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools to find the best return on investment for physical sciences students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Utah Valley University tops our 2027 list of the best value physical sciences schools in Utah. Utah Valley University is a very large public school located in the city of Orem. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $16,478. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $51,242. That is a strong return on a $16,478 median debt.
Southern Utah University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,962, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,886 to complete the physical sciences program here. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Southern Utah University generally make around $44,998. That is a strong return on a $12,886 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Utah State University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Located in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $16,191. Physical Sciences graduates of Utah State University earn a median of $50,348 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Brigham Young University Provo is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $12,184. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Brigham Young University Provo generally make around $68,664. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%.
University Of Utah is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $19,857 in student loans. Physical Sciences graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $41,144 early in their careers. Set against $19,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.