2026 Best Value Physics Schools

#1

Brigham Young University Idaho

Rexburg, ID

Our analysis found Brigham Young University Idaho to be the best-value Physics school in the United States. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. The median Physics program debt is $13,287. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho

#2

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

Brigham Young University Provo came in at #2 on this year's best-value Physics ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. The median Physics program debt is $12,184. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo

#3

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke

Pembroke, NC

You'll get strong value at University Of North Carolina At Pembroke, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Typical Physics student debt is $27,089. Median earnings reach $43,407 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Pembroke

#4

University Of Wisconsin River Falls

River Falls, WI

University Of Wisconsin River Falls came in at #4 on this year's best-value Physics ranking in the United States. Based in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $30,000 to complete their Physics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,000 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls

#5

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

You'll get strong value at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Physics students take on a median of $23,917 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

#6

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wyoming

#7

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,639 in student loans. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Illinois University profile

#8

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #8 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Graduates carry a median of $26,330 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. Set against $26,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

#9

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire Physics students take on a median of $22,574 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. Set against $22,574 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

#10

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

La Crosse, WI

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. The median Physics program debt is $26,292. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,378. Set against $26,292 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse profile

#11

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Based in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. East Tennessee State University Physics students take on a median of $21,301 in debt. East Tennessee State University alumni report median earnings of $44,859 a decade after entry. Set against $21,301 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on East Tennessee State University

#14

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Typical Physics student debt is $25,306. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile

#15

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Magnolia, AR

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public school based in Magnolia, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $9,960, with out-of-state students paying around $15,690. Students borrow a median of $23,625 to complete their Physics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,386 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,625 median debt. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Southern Arkansas University Main Campus report

#16

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania

East Stroudsburg, PA

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,236, compared with $19,202 for out-of-state students. Typical Physics student debt is $26,527. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,148 a decade after entry. Set against $26,527 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania

#17

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA

Christopher Newport University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Christopher Newport University is a public school based in Newport News, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,828, compared with $31,178 for out-of-state students. Typical Physics student debt is $25,094. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,509 ten years after entry. Set against $25,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Christopher Newport University

#19

University Of North Alabama

Florence, AL

University Of North Alabama placed #19 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Florence, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. The median Physics program debt is $24,291. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,415 ten years after entry. Set against $24,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Alabama profile

#20

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,161 to complete their Physics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,021. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

#20

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus placed #20 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $25,347 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus

#22

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $25,925 in student loans. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Set against $25,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Houston report

#23

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report

#24

University Of Minnesota Morris

Morris, MN

University Of Minnesota Morris placed #24 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Morris, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,710. Graduates carry a median of $21,080 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,919. That is a strong return on a $21,080 median debt. University Of Minnesota Morris has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Morris

#25

University Of Wisconsin Parkside

Kenosha, WI

University Of Wisconsin Parkside placed #25 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Set in Kenosha, WI, University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,270, with out-of-state students paying around $17,429. Students borrow a median of $24,485 to complete their Physics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,129. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Parkside

#27

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS

Wichita State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. The median Physics program debt is $24,262. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. Set against $24,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on Wichita State University

#28

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Denton, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,200 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas

#29

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania

Millersville, PA

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania placed #29 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Set in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. The median Physics program debt is $26,486. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,246. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania

#30

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University placed #30 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Tech University

#30

University Of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA

University Of West Georgia came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Carrollton, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,088, with out-of-state students paying around $17,800. Students borrow a median of $26,789 to complete their Physics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,587. That is a strong return on a $26,789 median debt. University Of West Georgia has an acceptance rate of 52%. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia

#32

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. San Diego State University Physics students take on a median of $16,417 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%. More on San Diego State University

#33

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University placed #33 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Boca Raton, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. The median Physics program debt is $20,212. Median earnings reach $56,746 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,212 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Florida Atlantic University

#33

Missouri State University Springfield

Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield placed #33 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. The median Physics program debt is $24,408. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile

#35

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware placed #35 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. The median Physics program debt is $26,572. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Set against $26,572 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. See the full University Of Delaware profile

#35

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Towson University is a public school based in Towson, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Towson University Physics students take on a median of $24,625 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,390 ten years after entry. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Towson University report

#37

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey

Galloway, NJ

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey placed #37 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Set in Galloway, NJ, The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,266, while out-of-state students pay about $24,524. The median Physics program debt is $24,990. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,602. That is a strong return on a $24,990 median debt. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey profile

#37

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical Physics student debt is $23,495. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $23,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Iowa State University report

#39

The University Of Texas Pan American

Edinburg, TX

The University Of Texas Pan American landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,694 in student loans. The University Of Texas Pan American alumni report median earnings of $49,620 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas Pan American profile

#40

California State University Long Beach

Long Beach, CA

California State University Long Beach landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. The median Physics program debt is $23,229. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,229 median debt. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. Read more about California State University Long Beach

#41

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, GA

Georgia Southern University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This public school is set in Statesboro, GA. Students from in state pay about $6,022 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,734. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Physics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,236. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Southern University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Georgia Southern University report

#42

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Physics students take on a median of $22,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus

#43

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University placed #43 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Graduates carry a median of $26,378 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,118 ten years after entry. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Grand Valley State University profile

#44

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile

#45

Suny At Geneseo

Geneseo, NY

Suny At Geneseo came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Geneseo, NY, Suny At Geneseo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,999, while out-of-state students pay about $19,569. Typical Physics student debt is $18,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,316. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Suny At Geneseo

#46

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Reno, NV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. The median Physics program debt is $19,918. University Of Nevada Reno alumni report median earnings of $60,614 a decade after entry. Set against $19,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Reno has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno

#46

Illinois Institute Of Technology

Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. Typical Physics student debt is $26,774. Illinois Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,592 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report

#46

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Students borrow a median of $26,336 to complete their Physics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,131. That is a strong return on a $26,336 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cleveland State University

#49

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN

Austin Peay State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This public school is set in Clarksville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,006, while out-of-state students pay about $14,766. The median Physics program debt is $24,530. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,301. Set against $24,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Austin Peay State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Austin Peay State University

#50

Ohio University Main Campus

Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, OH. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Physics students take on a median of $24,546 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report

#52

California State University Sacramento

Sacramento, CA

California State University Sacramento placed #52 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Sacramento, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. California State University Sacramento Physics students take on a median of $17,492 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Sacramento has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full California State University Sacramento profile

#53

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University placed #53 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Temple University Physics students take on a median of $26,259 in debt. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on Temple University

#54

Bowling Green State University Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #54 position. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Physics students take on a median of $25,449 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,896. Set against $25,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus

#55

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI

Eastern Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #55 position. Set in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. Students borrow a median of $28,781 to complete their Physics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants. See the full Eastern Michigan University profile