# Most Affordable Colleges for Physical Sciences

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 50 | Category: Value
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-physical-sciences

## Methodology

Ranked by affordability with program concentration in Physical Sciences

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

The list of the most affordable colleges for physical sciences highlights institutions that combine value with strong academic programs. The schools here share a commitment to providing accessible education that opens doors for students pursuing careers in this vital field. With an average earning potential of $70,799 for graduates, these colleges demonstrate that affordability doesn't have to come at the expense of quality.

What sets these schools apart are their impressive graduation rates, low debt burdens, and solid post-graduation earnings. For instance, the top schools on this list show a completion rate of 70%, indicating that most students are finishing their degrees. These outcomes matter significantly in the physical sciences, where a degree can lead to diverse opportunities in research, industry, and education. As you explore the list below, keep an eye on earnings, debt, and graduation rates to find the best fit for your goals.

Consider Princeton University and CUNY Hunter College. Princeton stands out with $110,066 in earnings and a high graduation rate of 97%, while Hunter College has earnings of $63,163 and a graduation rate of just 59%. This contrast highlights the trade-offs in choosing a more affordable program versus one that may offer higher long-term earnings and completion rates. Understanding these differences will help you make a more informed decision as you weigh your options.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Princeton University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/princeton-university) | Princeton, NJ | 97% | $110,066 | $6,128 | $10,320 | 0.09x |
| 2 | [CUNY Hunter College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cuny-hunter-college) | New York, NY | 59% | $63,163 | $2,984 | $11,000 | 0.17x |
| 3 | [CUNY Medgar Evers College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cuny-medgar-evers-college) | Brooklyn, NY | 21% | $46,498 | $5,718 | $10,988 | 0.24x |
| 4 | [Berea College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/berea-college) | Berea, KY | 60% | $43,150 | $6,106 | $3,591 | 0.08x |
| 5 | [New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/new-mexico-institute-of-mining-and-technology) | Socorro, NM | 57% | $76,489 | $9,873 | $19,085 | 0.25x |
| 6 | [Stanford University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/stanford-university) | Stanford, CA | 92% | $124,080 | $13,807 | $12,000 | 0.1x |
| 7 | [College of Staten Island CUNY](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-staten-island-cuny) | Staten Island, NY | 33% | $53,501 | $5,579 | $14,350 | 0.27x |
| 8 | [Rice University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rice-university) | Houston, TX | 95% | $89,718 | $13,370 | $11,000 | 0.12x |
| 9 | [University of Chicago](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-chicago) | Chicago, IL | 95% | $91,885 | $14,860 | $15,000 | 0.16x |
| 10 | [Bowdoin College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bowdoin-college) | Brunswick, ME | 95% | $82,735 | $14,398 | $18,500 | 0.22x |
| 11 | [University of Minnesota-Morris](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-minnesota-morris) | Morris, MN | 62% | $50,919 | $8,837 | $18,995 | 0.37x |
| 12 | [University of the Virgin Islands](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-the-virgin-islands) | Charlotte Amalie, VI | 28% | $38,681 | $7,469 | $16,800 | 0.43x |
| 13 | [University of North Carolina Asheville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-asheville) | Asheville, NC | 55% | $44,030 | $12,250 | $20,500 | 0.47x |
| 14 | [University of New Orleans](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-new-orleans) | New Orleans, LA | 40% | $47,872 | $12,384 | $18,750 | 0.39x |
| 15 | [Williams College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/williams-college) | Williamstown, MA | 95% | $88,665 | $17,716 | $12,761 | 0.14x |
| 16 | [California Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-institute-of-technology) | Pasadena, CA | 94% | $128,566 | $16,075 | N/A | N/A |
| 17 | [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology) | Cambridge, MA | 96% | $143,372 | $20,111 | $14,768 | 0.1x |
| 18 | [Colby College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colby-college) | Waterville, ME | 89% | $80,490 | $17,180 | $19,157 | 0.24x |
| 19 | [Davidson College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/davidson-college) | Davidson, NC | 91% | $81,400 | $17,379 | $18,688 | 0.23x |
| 20 | [Johns Hopkins University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/johns-hopkins-university) | Baltimore, MD | 94% | $87,555 | $18,809 | $10,250 | 0.12x |
| 21 | [Lake Superior State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lake-superior-state-university) | Sault Ste Marie, MI | 54% | $49,045 | $12,822 | $23,250 | 0.47x |
| 22 | [Harvard University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/harvard-university) | Cambridge, MA | 97% | $101,817 | $19,066 | $14,000 | 0.14x |
| 23 | [University of California-San Diego](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-california-san-diego) | La Jolla, CA | 87% | $84,943 | $12,470 | $15,500 | 0.18x |
| 24 | [Grinnell College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/grinnell-college) | Grinnell, IA | 88% | $62,830 | $17,648 | $17,500 | 0.28x |
| 25 | [Le Moyne-Owen College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/le-moyne-owen-college) | Memphis, TN | 26% | $35,594 | $7,099 | $28,070 | 0.79x |
| 26 | [University of California-Berkeley](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-california-berkeley) | Berkeley, CA | 93% | $92,446 | $13,481 | $13,000 | 0.14x |
| 27 | [Pomona College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pomona-college) | Claremont, CA | 93% | $77,779 | $19,285 | $11,782 | 0.15x |
| 28 | [Missouri University of Science and Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/missouri-university-of-science-and-technology) | Rolla, MO | 64% | $82,957 | $16,298 | $23,250 | 0.28x |
| 29 | [William & Mary](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/william-mary) | Williamsburg, VA | 90% | $73,490 | $19,096 | $18,500 | 0.25x |
| 30 | [Virginia Military Institute](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/virginia-military-institute) | Lexington, VA | 79% | $77,369 | $17,113 | $22,996 | 0.3x |
| 31 | [Chadron State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chadron-state-college) | Chadron, NE | 44% | $47,002 | $12,549 | $18,875 | 0.4x |
| 32 | [University of Hawaii at Hilo](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-hawaii-at-hilo) | Hilo, HI | 45% | $47,856 | $11,856 | $20,500 | 0.43x |
| 33 | [University of Puerto Rico-Humacao](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-puerto-rico-humacao) | Humacao, PR | 50% | $29,521 | $12,675 | $5,500 | 0.19x |
| 34 | [Chicago State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chicago-state-university) | Chicago, IL | 16% | $42,778 | $12,335 | $30,625 | 0.72x |
| 35 | [University of Washington-Seattle Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-washington-seattle-campus) | Seattle, WA | 84% | $78,466 | $14,091 | $14,615 | 0.19x |
| 36 | [Randolph College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/randolph-college) | Lynchburg, VA | 49% | $53,409 | $15,921 | $26,950 | 0.5x |
| 37 | [William Jewell College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/william-jewell-college) | Liberty, MO | 64% | $59,268 | $17,562 | $24,498 | 0.41x |
| 38 | [University of Missouri-Kansas City](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-missouri-kansas-city) | Kansas City, MO | 56% | $59,637 | $13,310 | $18,750 | 0.31x |
| 39 | [SUNY College at Geneseo](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/suny-college-at-geneseo) | Geneseo, NY | 72% | $67,316 | $18,211 | $19,500 | 0.29x |
| 40 | [Rust College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rust-college) | Holly Springs, MS | 17% | $32,275 | $12,587 | $26,159 | 0.81x |
| 41 | [Xavier University of Louisiana](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/xavier-university-of-louisiana) | New Orleans, LA | 49% | $52,184 | $17,127 | $24,053 | 0.46x |
| 42 | [Monmouth College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/monmouth-college) | Monmouth, IL | 62% | $51,110 | $17,133 | $27,000 | 0.53x |
| 43 | [Kalamazoo College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kalamazoo-college) | Kalamazoo, MI | 79% | $65,590 | $19,072 | $26,077 | 0.4x |
| 44 | [Valparaiso University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/valparaiso-university) | Valparaiso, IN | 69% | $63,191 | $18,578 | $26,942 | 0.43x |
| 45 | [Fort Lewis College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fort-lewis-college) | Durango, CO | 39% | $46,349 | $17,296 | $18,389 | 0.4x |
| 46 | [University of California-Santa Barbara](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-california-santa-barbara) | Santa Barbara, CA | 84% | $74,915 | $16,109 | $13,993 | 0.19x |
| 47 | [Columbia University in the City of New York](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york) | New York, NY | 96% | $102,491 | $21,590 | $21,500 | 0.21x |
| 48 | [University of Alabama in Huntsville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-alabama-in-huntsville) | Huntsville, AL | 63% | $61,767 | $18,796 | $20,705 | 0.34x |
| 49 | [Pacific Lutheran University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pacific-lutheran-university) | Tacoma, WA | 70% | $66,990 | $19,589 | $22,578 | 0.34x |
| 50 | [Coe College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/coe-college) | Cedar Rapids, IA | 62% | $57,125 | $18,745 | $27,000 | 0.47x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Most Affordable Colleges for Physical Sciences." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-physical-sciences

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.