Best Schools for Materials Sciences

Materials Sciences graduates earn a median of $106,289 within four years of graduating, ranking #32 out of 283 tracked majors — 70% above the median across all fields. There are 4 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 100 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn $119,715 while Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn $92,864 — a $26,851 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap. Across all fields, though, which major you pick separates earnings more than which college does.

Schools

$106,289

Avg. 2yr Earnings

#32

of 283 Majors

100

Graduates

Public vs Private: Materials Sciences

Public (3 schools)

$92,864

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (1 schools)

$119,715

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $26,851 more in early earnings on average for Materials Sciences graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Materials Sciences by State

Top Materials Sciences Schools by Graduate Earnings

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private

$119,715

4yr Earnings

20 grads · small sample

2yr: $47,260 (21)

Acceptance: 11.4%

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Public

$67,101

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 85.7%

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington

Abington, PA · Public

Majors with Similar Earnings

Fire Protection $63,093 Engineering, Other $62,778 Engineering Science $62,500 Engineering, General $62,318 Civil Engineering $60,161 Engineering-Related Fields $59,843

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Materials Sciences?

Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 for Materials Sciences with median graduate earnings of $119,715 within four years of graduating. There are 4 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do Materials Sciences graduates earn?

Materials Sciences graduates earn an average of $106,289 within four years of graduating. This is 70% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $92,864 to $119,715 depending on the school.

How hard is it to get into a top Materials Sciences program?

The average acceptance rate across Materials Sciences programs is 60.8%. The most selective program is at Carnegie Mellon University with a 11.4% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Is a public or private school better for Materials Sciences?

Private Materials Sciences programs average $119,715 in early earnings vs $92,864 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders, from the field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release — Scorecard publishes the two separately.

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