Physical Sciences Colleges Under $20,000

CUNY Hunter College delivers Physical Sciences, Other programs at just $2,446 net cost, making it the most affordable option among schools nationwide by a massive margin. The next closest competitor costs over four times more at $11,024, creating an unusual price gap that reflects New York's commitment to accessible public education. While acceptance rates vary wildly from UC San Diego's competitive 23.71% to Black Hills State's open 96.64%, graduation rates tell a different story about program quality and student support. The federal government employs more physical scientists than any other sector, with agencies like NASA, NOAA, and the Department of Energy offering pathways for graduates. Students can expect median earnings around $28,212 early in their careers, though this field typically sees significant salary growth with experience and specialization. The 20 programs span from well-known research universities to regional state schools, giving students options that match both their financial constraints and academic goals.

Programs

$2,446 – $19,880

Net Price Range

$28,212

Avg. Program Earnings

64.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Physical Sciences, Other Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY Hunter College New York, New York	$2,446	$7,382	61.0%	47.9%
2	University of North Alabama Florence, Alabama	$11,024	$11,990	54.0%	95.7%
3	Empire State University Saratoga Springs, New York	$11,147	$7,630	29.3%
4	University of California-San Diego La Jolla, California	$11,750	$15,265	87.6%	23.7%
5	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, North Carolina	$12,983	$8,989	92.1%	17.1%
6	University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah	$13,172	$9,315	63.9%	89.1%
7	Saginaw Valley State University University Center, Michigan	$14,582	$12,240	53.8%	76.4%
8	Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan	$14,773	$14,297	56.5%	75.3%
9	Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, Arizona	$14,922	$12,652	56.9%	80.0%
10	University of California-Davis Davis, California	$15,288	$15,247	85.1%	37.3%
11	Frostburg State University Frostburg, Maryland	$15,323	$9,998	52.1%	87.9%
12	Grinnell College Grinnell, Iowa	$15,608	$64,862	87.5%	10.8%
13	Central Connecticut State University New Britain, Connecticut	$16,435	$12,460	49.3%	76.7%
14	Albion College Albion, Michigan	$16,882	$55,746	57.1%	66.5%
15	Black Hills State University Spearfish, South Dakota	$17,001	$9,000	38.6%	96.6%
16	Benedict College Columbia, South Carolina	$17,781	$18,000	21.1%	67.8%
17	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland	$18,161	$63,340	94.6%	7.3%
18	George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia	$18,287	$13,815	69.3%	90.0%
19	Stony Brook University Stony Brook, New York	$18,430	$10,560	77.8%	49.1%
20	University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, Massachusetts	$18,627	$16,570	70.1%	86.0%
21	Swarthmore College Swarthmore, Pennsylvania	$18,686	$62,412	94.1%	6.9%
22	Azusa Pacific University Azusa, California	$19,798	$43,600	64.4%	87.0%
23	University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, Alabama	$19,880	$11,770	61.9%	78.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between the most and least expensive programs?

CUNY Hunter College costs just $2,446 while some programs approach $17,001, reflecting different state funding models and institutional priorities. Public universities like Hunter benefit from substantial state subsidies that keep costs low for residents. Private schools like Grinnell College charge $64,862 in tuition but offer significant financial aid, bringing net costs down to $15,608. The 20-school range demonstrates how location and school type create vastly different price points for similar programs.

How do graduation rates correlate with program selectivity?

UNC Chapel Hill combines high selectivity at 17.11% acceptance with an outstanding 92.10% graduation rate, showing strong student support systems. Conversely, Black Hills State admits 96.64% of applicants but graduates only 38.60%, indicating different institutional missions. UC San Diego maintains both competitive admissions at 23.71% and high completion rates at 87.60%. The data suggests that more selective programs tend to have better graduation outcomes, though exceptions exist.

Where do Physical Sciences, Other graduates typically find employment?

Federal agencies represent the largest employment sector for physical scientists, with NASA, NOAA, and the Department of Energy leading hiring. National laboratories across the country offer research positions, while private companies in aerospace, materials science, and environmental consulting provide additional opportunities. The median early-career salary of $28,212 reflects entry-level positions that often lead to significant advancement. Geographic location near research facilities or government installations can impact both internship availability and post-graduation job prospects.

Does attending a more expensive program guarantee better outcomes?

The data shows mixed results when comparing cost to graduation rates and career prospects. Empire State University at $11,147 net cost has just a 29.30% graduation rate, while similarly priced University of North Alabama achieves 54.00%. UC Davis costs $15,288 but delivers an 85.10% graduation rate, suggesting better value. Students should examine specific program resources, faculty research opportunities, and industry connections rather than assuming higher costs mean better outcomes.

What makes Physical Sciences, Other different from traditional physics or chemistry programs?

Physical Sciences, Other programs typically combine multiple disciplines or focus on emerging fields like materials science, atmospheric physics, or applied optics. These programs often emphasize practical applications over pure theory, preparing students for interdisciplinary careers. The broad nature of these degrees allows flexibility in career paths, from environmental monitoring to industrial research. Many programs include significant laboratory work and may offer specialization tracks that align with regional industry needs and research facilities.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.