2026 Best Value Engineering Physics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Engineering Physics bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 142 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 reviewed schools to build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
University Of Wisconsin Platteville earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public school based in Platteville, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. University Of Wisconsin Platteville alumni report median earnings of $61,760 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Murray State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Engineering Physics ranking in the United States. Based in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,900, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Graduates carry a median of $19,521 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,737 ten years after entry. Set against $19,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants. 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. Based in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Graduates carry a median of $24,624 in student loans. University Of Minnesota Duluth alumni report median earnings of $62,616 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,624 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Duluth
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #4 on this year's best-value Engineering Physics ranking in the United States. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $22,053. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $22,053 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
You'll get strong value at Oakland University, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Graduates carry a median of $25,972 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,612 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,972 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Oakland University
Arkansas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Arkansas Tech University is a public school based in Russellville, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,674, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $23,257. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,766. Set against $23,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full Arkansas Tech University profile
University Of Central Oklahoma landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. University Of Central Oklahoma Engineering Physics students take on a median of $23,321 in debt. University Of Central Oklahoma alumni report median earnings of $48,351 a decade after entry. Set against $23,321 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Oklahoma admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Central Oklahoma
University Of California Berkeley landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Engineering Physics students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Berkeley
Kettering University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Physics schools. Based in Flint, MI, Kettering University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,425. Graduates carry a median of $28,913 in student loans. Kettering University alumni report median earnings of $94,823 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. See the full Kettering University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Physics schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Engineering Physics students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Physics schools. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $23,138. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,138 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Dartmouth College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,019. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $16,989. Median earnings reach $97,434 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dartmouth College has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read more about Dartmouth College
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Daytona Beach, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,074. Graduates carry a median of $23,667 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach profile
University Of Kansas came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $23,608. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on University Of Kansas
Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Terre Haute, IN, Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $56,046 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $25,148. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rose Hulman Institute Of Technology report
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $21,842. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $21,842 median debt. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Arizona State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #17 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,136 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Set against $20,136 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Physics schools. Located in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,918 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,614. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,137 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,648 ten years after entry. Set against $19,137 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Marquette University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $24,122. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,257 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Marquette University
University Of Colorado Boulder placed #21 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. University Of Colorado Boulder is a public school based in Boulder, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $20,373. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,738 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Boulder admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about University Of Colorado Boulder
New Mexico State University Main Campus came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,183, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $19,026. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,067. Set against $19,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Main Campus
Cornell University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. 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. Set against $15,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Read the full report on Cornell University
University Of Arizona placed #24 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $21,861 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arizona
Brown University placed #25 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. Set in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,312 in tuition and fees. Brown University Engineering Physics students take on a median of $13,025 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $93,487. Set against $13,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brown University admits about 5% of applicants. See the full Brown University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Engineering Physics Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #26 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $20,115. University Of Illinois At Chicago alumni report median earnings of $68,740 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Chicago report
Miami University Oxford landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Miami University Oxford is a public school based in Oxford, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $17,519, compared with $38,965 for out-of-state students. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $24,177. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. Set against $24,177 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Miami University Oxford report
Santa Clara University placed #28 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Santa Clara, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,293. Graduates carry a median of $20,144 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $109,183. Set against $20,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 48% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Santa Clara University report
University Of Tulsa offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Tulsa, OK, University Of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,546. Graduates carry a median of $23,638 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,408. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Tulsa admits about 62% of applicants. Get the full University Of Tulsa report
Colorado School Of Mines ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Physics schools. Located in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,914, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,335. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Colorado School Of Mines has an acceptance rate of 61%. Get the full Colorado School Of Mines report
University Of California San Diego ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Physics schools. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California San Diego has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
Case Western Reserve University placed #32 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $66,608. Graduates carry a median of $25,106 in student loans. Case Western Reserve University alumni report median earnings of $87,989 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,106 median debt. Case Western Reserve University has an acceptance rate of 36%. More on Case Western Reserve University
Tufts University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,704. Tufts University Engineering Physics students take on a median of $17,074 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,214 ten years after entry. Set against $17,074 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. More on Tufts University
University Of Connecticut offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Storrs, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Graduates carry a median of $23,637 in student loans. University Of Connecticut alumni report median earnings of $73,997 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Connecticut has an acceptance rate of 52%. Read more about University Of Connecticut
Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $23,258. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia University In The City Of New York has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Stevens Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Hoboken, NJ, Stevens Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $63,462 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $26,767. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $108,772. Set against $26,767 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%. Read the full report on Stevens Institute Of Technology
Tulane University Of Louisiana ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Physics schools. Set in New Orleans, LA, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,678 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,077 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,268 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 14%. Read the full report on Tulane University Of Louisiana
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Physics schools. Set 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. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $26,368. 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. Read more about University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
Illinois Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. Typical Engineering Physics student debt is $26,774. Illinois Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,592 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
Letourneau University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Longview, TX, Letourneau University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,160. Letourneau University Engineering Physics students take on a median of $32,086 in debt. Letourneau University alumni report median earnings of $57,103 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,086 median debt. Letourneau University has an acceptance rate of 38%. More on Letourneau University
University Of The Pacific landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stockton, CA, University Of The Pacific is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,080. Students borrow a median of $23,514 to complete their Engineering Physics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,445. 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
University Of Maine placed #43 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. Based in Orono, ME, University Of Maine is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,326, while out-of-state students pay about $36,756. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $25,984. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,653. That is a strong return on a $25,984 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Maine
Fordham University placed #44 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. Fordham University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bronx, NY. Students from in state pay about $64,470 in tuition and fees. The median Engineering Physics program debt is $25,643. Graduates go on to earn a median of $85,569 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,643 median debt. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fordham University
New York University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. New York University Engineering Physics students take on a median of $21,897 in debt. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. More on New York University
Eastern Michigan University placed #45 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. Read more about Eastern Michigan University
Mcmurry University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Engineering Physics schools. Read the full report on Mcmurry University
Stephen F Austin State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. See the full Stephen F Austin State University profile
Wright State University Main Campus placed #48 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. See the full Wright State University Main Campus profile
Benedictine College placed #49 among the best-value Engineering Physics schools in the United States. More on Benedictine College
University Of Oregon offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Read the full report on University Of Oregon
Related Engineering Physics Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Engineering Physics Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Physics Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Engineering Physics Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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