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.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 6 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for physical sciences students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physical sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Grinnell College earned the #1 spot for value among physical sciences schools in Iowa. Located in the town of Grinnell, Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,196. Students borrow a median of $17,154 to complete the physical sciences program here. Physical Sciences graduates of Grinnell College earn a median of $38,888 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,154 median debt. The acceptance rate is 14%.
A rank of #2 makes Iowa State University one of the best values for physical sciences. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Typical student debt for physical sciences graduates is $24,173. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $57,030. Set against $24,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Coe College came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Located in the city of Cedar Rapids, Coe College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $54,666. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Physical Sciences graduates of Coe College earn a median of $44,511 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in physical sciences will find it at Luther College, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Decorah, Luther College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $52,120 in tuition and fees. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $26,967 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physical sciences degree recipients from Luther College generally make around $42,426. That is a strong return on a $26,967 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physical sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,956 to complete the physical sciences program here. Early-career physical sciences graduates make about $44,847. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Drake University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value physical sciences schools. Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Des Moines. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Physical Sciences graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. Physical Sciences graduates of Drake University earn a median of $56,228 early in their careers. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% 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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.