2026 Best Physics Schools

#1

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Leading the list is Stanford University, our #1 Physics school in the United States. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Stanford University Physics students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Get the full Stanford University report

#2

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

You'll be in good company at Northwestern University, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Typical Physics student debt is $16,616. More on Northwestern University

#3

Illinois Institute Of Technology

Chicago, IL

A rank of #3 makes Illinois Institute Of Technology one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. Typical Physics student debt is $26,774. More on Illinois Institute Of Technology

#4

Rochester Institute Of Technology

Rochester, NY

Rochester Institute Of Technology came in at #4 on this year's Physics ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. Students from in state pay about $59,210 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Physics program here. See the full Rochester Institute Of Technology profile

#5

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

A rank of #5 makes University Of Chicago one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. See the full University Of Chicago profile

#6

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona came in at #6 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. University Of Arizona Physics students take on a median of $20,650 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Arizona

#7

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University placed #7 among Physics schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northeastern University posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $26,797 in student loans. Read more about Northeastern University

#8

Williams College

Williamstown, MA

Williams College did well this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Williamstown, MA, Williams College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $68,560 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,615 in student loans. Read more about Williams College

#9

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. University Of California Santa Barbara posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $15,982 in student loans. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile

#10

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Physics schools. Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit school based in Winston-Salem, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,642. Graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. Read more about Wake Forest University

#11

University Of Wisconsin River Falls

River Falls, WI

University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #11 among Physics schools in the United States. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. The median Physics program debt is $30,000. More on University Of Wisconsin River Falls

#12

College Of The Holy Cross

Worcester, MA

College Of The Holy Cross ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Physics schools. Set in Worcester, MA, College Of The Holy Cross is a private not-for-profit institution. College Of The Holy Cross posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. Students from in state pay about $64,500 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,387 to complete their Physics program here. Read the full report on College Of The Holy Cross

#13

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware did well this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. University Of Delaware posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,572 in student loans. Read more about University Of Delaware

#14

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Typical Physics student debt is $23,594. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report

#15

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. About 85% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Physics students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report

#16

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott

Prescott, AZ

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Physics schools. Located in Prescott, AZ, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,974. Typical Physics student debt is $24,707. Read the full report on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott

#17

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA

Christopher Newport University placed #17 among Physics schools in the United States. Christopher Newport University is a public school based in Newport News, VA. About 72% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $16,828, with out-of-state students paying around $31,178. Typical Physics student debt is $25,094. Get the full Christopher Newport University report

#18

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #18 in this year's ranking. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical Physics student debt is $20,500. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#19

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,495 to complete their Physics program here. More on Iowa State University

#20

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University landed the #20 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Cornell University Physics students take on a median of $15,961 in debt. Get the full Cornell University report

#21

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Physics schools. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. University Of Maryland College Park posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,194 to complete their Physics program here. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report

#22

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming did well this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. About 59% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Physics program here. Get the full University Of Wyoming report

#23

Union College New York

Schenectady, NY

Union College New York landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Based in Schenectady, NY, Union College New York is a private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,039 in tuition and fees. The median Physics program debt is $25,869. More on Union College New York

#24

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $20,333 in student loans. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile

#25

St Olaf College

Northfield, MN

St Olaf College landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. St Olaf College is a private not-for-profit school based in Northfield, MN. St Olaf College graduates 84% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,760. St Olaf College Physics students take on a median of $23,762 in debt. More on St Olaf College

#26

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 78%. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Typical Physics student debt is $30,847. More on Drexel University

#27

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University did well this year, earning the #27 position. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,730. Students borrow a median of $13,426 to complete their Physics program here. See the full Johns Hopkins University profile

#28

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania

East Stroudsburg, PA

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #28 among Physics schools in the United States. Set in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 43%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,236, while out-of-state students pay about $19,202. Typical Physics student debt is $26,527. More on East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania

#29

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #29 position. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Purdue University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. The median Physics program debt is $21,948. More on Purdue University Main Campus

#30

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

La Crosse, WI

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse did well this year, earning the #30 position. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse posts a six-year graduation rate of 71%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Students borrow a median of $26,292 to complete their Physics program here. See the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse profile

#31

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #31 among Physics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. About 93% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

#32

Wofford College

Spartanburg, SC

Wofford College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Physics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spartanburg, SC. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,005. Wofford College Physics students take on a median of $24,643 in debt. Read more about Wofford College

#33

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley placed #33 among Physics schools in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. University Of California Berkeley graduates 93% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $15,508 to complete their Physics program here. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#35

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University placed #35 among Physics schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Temple University graduates 75% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. The median Physics program debt is $26,259. Read more about Temple University

#36

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #36 in this year's ranking. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. Students borrow a median of $22,574 to complete their Physics program here. More on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

#37

Baylor University

Waco, TX

Baylor University placed #37 among Physics schools in the United States. Based in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,100. Students borrow a median of $23,928 to complete their Physics program here. Read the full report on Baylor University

#38

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA

Pacific Lutheran University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Physics schools. Set in Tacoma, WA, Pacific Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit institution. Pacific Lutheran University posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,916. The median Physics program debt is $23,667. Get the full Pacific Lutheran University report

#39

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, FL

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach placed #39 among Physics schools in the United States. Based in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,074. The median Physics program debt is $22,845. Get the full Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach report

#40

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #40 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Physics program here. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile

#41

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #41 among Physics schools in the United States. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Physics students take on a median of $19,200 in debt. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile

#42

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Texas A And M University College Station posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $17,522 in student loans. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station

#43

University Of North Alabama

Florence, AL

University Of North Alabama came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Located in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $12,120, compared with $22,320 for out-of-state students. Typical Physics student debt is $24,291. Read the full report on University Of North Alabama

#44

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame placed #44 among Physics schools in the United States. Based in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. University Of Notre Dame Physics students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Read more about University Of Notre Dame

#45

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania

Millersville, PA

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Typical Physics student debt is $26,486. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania

#46

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. University Of Nevada Reno posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. University Of Nevada Reno Physics students take on a median of $19,918 in debt. More on University Of Nevada Reno

#47

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Physics schools. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete their Physics program here. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus

#48

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Physics schools. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates 86% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical Physics student debt is $27,000. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile

#49

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey

Galloway, NJ

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey placed #49 among Physics schools in the United States. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a public school based in Galloway, NJ. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,266, with out-of-state students paying around $24,524. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey Physics students take on a median of $24,990 in debt. More on The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey

#50

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester placed #50 among Physics schools in the United States. Based in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,080. Typical Physics student debt is $19,000. See the full University Of Rochester profile

#51

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute did well this year, earning the #51 position. Based in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,078. The median Physics program debt is $20,270. More on Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute