Most Affordable Physical Sciences Colleges
The most affordable Physical Sciences colleges, ranked by net cost while maintaining strong outcomes. This list focuses on affordability without compromising long-term value.
By the Numbers
This list highlights where students can reduce cost without sacrificing long-term career outcomes.
Of the 1,073 four-year colleges that offer Physical Sciences nationally, these 25 rank highest. Each is scored on the UCD Score, our 0 to 100 measure of outcomes, value, affordability, and selectivity.
What the Data Shows
- UCD Scores run from 94 down to 66, so quality eases off toward the bottom of the list.
- Median earnings run from $38,550 to $110,066 ten years out, so the cheapest options still span a range of outcomes.
- Across the shortlist net prices reach no higher than $6,541 a year, so the whole list stays budget-bounded.
Affordable Physical Sciences Colleges: What Stands Out
Across 1,073 four-year Physical Sciences colleges, net prices vary widely, the lowest being CUNY Hunter College at $2,984 a year against a $20,247 average. Public institutions account for 22 of the top 25, reflecting the role of state funding in lowering cost. Even so, the most affordable college still posts median earnings of $63,163 ten years out, indicating that low cost does not track with weak outcomes.
How This Ranking Works
Every college here is ranked by its UCD Score, a 0 to 100 figure that blends graduate earnings, value for the net price paid, affordability, and (for four-year colleges) selectivity. Colleges are scored within peer groups, so a low-cost public and a selective private can be compared fairly rather than the most expensive school simply winning.
We only include colleges that actually offer Physical Sciences and predominantly award four-year degrees, drawn from federal IPEDS completions and College Scorecard outcomes. The data refreshes with each annual update, so this ranking never goes stale. See how the UCD Score is built →
How to Use This Ranking
Use this to find low-cost Physical Sciences colleges that still deliver. Confirm your own net price with each college's calculator, since the figures here are averages, then weigh the cheapest options against their earnings and the UCD Score so you trade down on price, not on outcomes.
Questions you might still have
What is the most affordable college for Physical Sciences?
CUNY Hunter College has the lowest net price here at $2,984 a year, against a field average of $20,247. Net price is the cost after grant and scholarship aid.
Is a low-cost Physical Sciences college worth it?
Usually, when outcomes hold up. Even the cheapest college here reports $63,163 in earnings, so a low net price need not mean weaker results. Weigh net price against earnings and the UCD Score together.
What is the difference between public and private for Physical Sciences?
Public colleges usually post lower net prices thanks to state funding, while private colleges can match them with generous aid. Both appear here; the UCD Score lets you compare them on outcomes, not just sticker price.
Are there hidden costs beyond net price?
Net price covers tuition, fees, and living costs after aid, but it is an average. Your figure depends on family income, and books, travel, and program fees add up. Run each college's net price calculator for your situation.
How much does it cost to study Physical Sciences?
Four-year Physical Sciences colleges average $20,247 a year in net price after aid, and the lowest on this ranking is $2,984. Net price varies with family income, so check each college's calculator for your situation.
How many four-year colleges offer Physical Sciences?
1,073 four-year colleges offer Physical Sciences nationally. This page ranks the top 25; browse the rest in the college directory.
Do Physical Sciences graduates earn well?
Graduates of four-year Physical Sciences colleges earn a median of $65,020 ten years after entry, with the highest on this list at $110,066 (Princeton University).
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