Bottom Line
This field currently leans value-positive.
The current preview range spans from $1,485,724 to $2,680,693. That spread is the core Degreeli point: field choice matters, but so does where and how you pursue it.
High upside
Program Category
Materials Sciences
Degreeli uses field pages to show whether value is consistent or whether the same major swings dramatically depending on the school, price point, and completion environment.
Offerings In Preview Catalog
3
Positive ROI Routes
3/3
Best Current ROI
$2,680,693
Fastest Payback
2.6 years
What To Compare
Stack payback speed against downside, not just upside.
Families should read this category through three questions: which school delivers the best risk-adjusted upside, how fast the cost gets recouped, and how much value evaporates once completion risk enters the picture.
School-Level Routes
Where Materials Sciences currently looks strongest
DOCTORAL
University of California, Santa Barbara
Degreeli Score
93/100
Excellent Value
Data Confidence
Medium
Completion-Adjusted ROI
$2,680,693
Years To Recoup
2.6 years
On-Time ROI
$3,228,584
10-Year Earnings
$164,651
Why it scores this way
Strength: Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.
Risk: Graduate review signal is limited or modeled.
BACHELORS
Carnegie Mellon University
Degreeli Score
75/100
Fair Value
Data Confidence
Medium
Completion-Adjusted ROI
$2,133,479
Years To Recoup
7.1 years
On-Time ROI
$2,266,524
10-Year Earnings
$119,715
Why it scores this way
Strength: Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.
Risk: Payback could take longer than many families expect.
BACHELORS
The Pennsylvania State University--University Park
Degreeli Score
62/100
Caution Zone
Data Confidence
Medium
Completion-Adjusted ROI
$1,485,724
Years To Recoup
9.4 years
On-Time ROI
$1,725,780
10-Year Earnings
$92,864
Why it scores this way
Strength: Cost looks efficient relative to expected early-career pay.
Risk: Debt risk rises quickly if borrowing approaches the modeled estimate.