2026 Best Value Engineering Physics Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Physics programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 142 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Engineering Physics Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found University Of Wisconsin Platteville to be the best-value Engineering Physics school in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public school based in Platteville, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,644, while out-of-state students pay about $17,603. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,760. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Platteville has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Platteville
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Murray State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,900, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Graduates carry a median of $19,521 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,737. That is a strong return on a $19,521 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Murray State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Minnesota Duluth earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Graduates carry a median of $24,624 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,616. Set against $24,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Duluth has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ohio State University Main Campus earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $22,053. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Oakland University placed #6 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. Oakland University is a public school based in Rochester Hills, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $25,972. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,612. That is a strong return on a $25,972 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Oakland University report
Arkansas Tech University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Physics schools. Located in Russellville, AR, Arkansas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,674 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,668 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $23,257. Arkansas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $41,766 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,257 median debt. Arkansas Tech University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Arkansas Tech University
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,074. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $23,667. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach alumni report median earnings of $84,131 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,667 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read the full report on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach
University Of Central Oklahoma placed #9 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. Based in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,818, with out-of-state students paying around $19,704. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $23,321. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,351. Set against $23,321 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on University Of Central Oklahoma
Rice University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $11,904. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,718. Set against $11,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 8%. See the full Rice University profile
University Of California San Diego came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $17,101 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. More on University Of California San Diego
University Of California Berkeley came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley Engineering Physics students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. More on University Of California Berkeley
Harvard University placed #13 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Harvard University Engineering Physics students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,817. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. See the full Harvard University profile
Cornell University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,005 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full Cornell University profile
Kettering University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Flint, MI. Students from in state pay about $46,425 in tuition and fees. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $28,913. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $94,823. Set against $28,913 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Kettering University
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Norman, OK. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $23,138. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Dartmouth College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Physics schools. Based in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,019. Graduates carry a median of $16,989 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,434 ten years after entry. Set against $16,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Dartmouth College report
University Of Kansas came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Northwestern University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,363. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. Get the full Northwestern University report
Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology placed #21 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Terre Haute, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $56,046. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $25,148. Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $101,253 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology report
Arizona State University placed #22 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Arizona State University report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Engineering Physics students take on a median of $20,136 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,136 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Nevada Reno placed #24 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Reno, NV. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $19,918. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,614. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Nevada Reno
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #25 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $19,137. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,648. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 16%. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Marquette University placed #26 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $24,122. Median earnings reach $78,257 ten years out. Set against $24,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Marquette University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Physics Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
New Mexico State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $19,026. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,067. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full New Mexico State University Main Campus report
University Of Colorado Boulder offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Boulder, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $20,373. Median earnings reach $69,738 ten years out. Set against $20,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report
University Of Arizona landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $21,861. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Arizona report
Brown University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,312. Students borrow a median of $13,025 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. Brown University alumni report median earnings of $93,487 a decade after entry. Set against $13,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brown University admits about 5% of applicants. Read the full report on Brown University
University Of Illinois At Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $20,115. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,740. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Illinois At Chicago profile
Miami University Oxford came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. Miami University Oxford Engineering Physics students take on a median of $24,177 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,076. Set against $24,177 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Miami University Oxford admits about 75% of applicants. More on Miami University Oxford
Stevens Institute Of Technology came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hoboken, NJ, Stevens Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $63,462. Stevens Institute Of Technology Engineering Physics students take on a median of $26,767 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $108,772. Set against $26,767 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Stevens Institute Of Technology
Santa Clara University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. Students from in state pay about $61,293 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $20,144 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $109,183. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 48%. More on Santa Clara University
University Of Tulsa came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tulsa, OK, University Of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,546. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $23,638. University Of Tulsa alumni report median earnings of $61,408 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Tulsa
Colorado School Of Mines landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Golden, CO. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,335. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. More on Colorado School Of Mines
Case Western Reserve University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,608. Students borrow a median of $25,106 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,989 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,106 median debt. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Case Western Reserve University report
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $23,258. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. Set against $23,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile
Tufts University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,704. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $17,074. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,214. Set against $17,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tufts University has an acceptance rate of 12%. Read more about Tufts University
University Of Connecticut offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, compared with $43,712 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,637 in student loans. Median earnings reach $73,997 ten years out. Set against $23,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read more about University Of Connecticut
Illinois Institute Of Technology landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $26,774. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,592. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
Tulane University Of Louisiana landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Tulane University Of Louisiana is a private not-for-profit school based in New Orleans, LA. Students from in state pay about $68,678 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,077 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,268. That is a strong return on a $22,077 median debt. The acceptance rate is 14%. See the full Tulane University Of Louisiana profile
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Physics schools. Based in Durham, NH, University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,202, while out-of-state students pay about $39,852. Students borrow a median of $26,368 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,479. That is a strong return on a $26,368 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of New Hampshire Main Campus report
Letourneau University placed #45 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. Set in Longview, TX, Letourneau University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,160. Graduates carry a median of $32,086 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,103 ten years out. Set against $32,086 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Letourneau University
University Of The Pacific landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stockton, CA, University Of The Pacific is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $57,080 in tuition and fees. University Of The Pacific Engineering Physics students take on a median of $23,514 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,445 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,514 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of The Pacific
New York University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. New York University Engineering Physics students take on a median of $21,897 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,509. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on New York University
University Of Maine came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Orono, ME. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,326, compared with $36,756 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $25,984. University Of Maine alumni report median earnings of $48,653 a decade after entry. Set against $25,984 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about University Of Maine
Fordham University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bronx, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $64,470. Students borrow a median of $25,643 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. Median earnings reach $85,569 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,643 median debt. Fordham University has an acceptance rate of 59%. Read more about Fordham University
Southern Connecticut State University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. More on Southern Connecticut State University
Taylor University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Physics schools. More on Taylor University
Benedict College
Benedict College placed #50 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. See the full Benedict College profile
Best Value Engineering Physics Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Engineering Physics Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Physics Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Physics Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Physics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Physics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Physics Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Physics Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 142 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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