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2026 Best Value Physics Bachelor's Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Physics Bachelor’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Physics bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 959 colleges 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 reviewed 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 Physics Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States

Here are the top-ranked schools for value:

Our analysis found Brigham Young University Idaho to be the best-value Physics school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho Physics students take on a median of $13,287 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile

Out of the 959 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #2 spot. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Physics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo

A rank of #3 makes University Of North Carolina At Pembroke one of the best values in the United States. Located in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. Students borrow a median of $27,089 to complete their Physics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,407 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke profile

University Of Wisconsin River Falls came in at #4 on this year's best-value Physics ranking in the United States. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. The median Physics program debt is $30,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls report

You'll get strong value at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. The median Physics program debt is $23,917. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. 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. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Typical Physics student debt is $20,283. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. The median Physics program debt is $26,330. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #8 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, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Typical Physics student debt is $22,574. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,292 to complete their Physics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,378. That is a strong return on a $26,292 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

#10

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University placed #10 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Based in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. The median Physics program debt is $21,301. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,859 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,301 median debt. East Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full East Tennessee State University profile

Western Illinois University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Typical Physics student debt is $27,639. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Western Illinois University

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,306 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater alumni report median earnings of $55,356 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus placed #15 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Located in Magnolia, AR, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,960, with out-of-state students paying around $15,690. Graduates carry a median of $23,625 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,386 ten years after entry. Set against $23,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Arkansas University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in East Stroudsburg, PA. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,148. That is a strong return on a $26,527 median debt. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania

University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Physics program here. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile

University Of North Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,120, compared with $22,320 for out-of-state students. University Of North Alabama Physics students take on a median of $24,291 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on University Of North Alabama

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Typical Physics student debt is $24,161. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,161 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report

University Of Minnesota Morris offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. University Of Minnesota Morris is a public school based in Morris, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,710. Graduates carry a median of $21,080 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,919 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Morris admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full University Of Minnesota Morris report

University Of Wisconsin Parkside came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kenosha, WI, University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,270 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,429. The median Physics program debt is $24,485. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,129. That is a strong return on a $24,485 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Parkside profile

#24

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI

Eastern Michigan University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ypsilanti, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Typical Physics student debt is $28,781. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. That is a strong return on a $28,781 median debt. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full Eastern Michigan University report

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,486 to complete their Physics program here. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $55,246 a decade after entry. Set against $26,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania report

#25

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Florida Atlantic University is a public school based in Boca Raton, FL. Students from in state pay about $4,879 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $20,212 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,746. That is a strong return on a $20,212 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. See the full Florida Atlantic University profile

Iowa State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Physics program debt is $23,495. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Iowa State University

#28

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Michigan University is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. The median Physics program debt is $27,981. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,562 ten years after entry. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on Western Michigan University

#29

University Of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA

University Of West Georgia ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This public school is set in Carrollton, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,088, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,789 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,587. Set against $26,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Physics Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:

Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Missouri State University Springfield Physics students take on a median of $24,408 in debt. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Missouri State University Springfield

University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Galloway, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,266, compared with $24,524 for out-of-state students. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey Physics students take on a median of $24,990 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,602 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,990 median debt. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey report

#33

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University placed #33 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical Physics student debt is $16,417. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Get the full San Diego State University report

#34

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, GA

Georgia Southern University placed #34 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Based in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,022, with out-of-state students paying around $17,734. Georgia Southern University Physics students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,236 ten years after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Southern University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Georgia Southern University

California State University Long Beach came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Typical Physics student debt is $23,229. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. See the full California State University Long Beach profile

Grand Valley State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Typical Physics student debt is $26,378. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,118. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University

#36

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Cleveland State University is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. The median Physics program debt is $26,336. Median earnings reach $52,131 ten years out. Set against $26,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cleveland State University admits about 91% of applicants. More on Cleveland State University

#38

Suny At Geneseo

Geneseo, NY

Suny At Geneseo came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Geneseo, NY, Suny At Geneseo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,999, compared with $19,569 for out-of-state students. Typical Physics student debt is $18,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,316 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Suny At Geneseo

#39

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. University Of Houston Physics students take on a median of $25,925 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Houston

#40

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN

Austin Peay State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Austin Peay State University is a public school based in Clarksville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,006, with out-of-state students paying around $14,766. Graduates carry a median of $24,530 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,301. That is a strong return on a $24,530 median debt. Austin Peay State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Austin Peay State University

University Of Nevada Reno came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,614. That is a strong return on a $19,918 median debt. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile

#42

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS

Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Typical Physics student debt is $24,262. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,532 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on Wichita State University

University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public school based in Duluth, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. The median Physics program debt is $24,624. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,616 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Duluth has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full University Of Minnesota Duluth profile

Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Physics students take on a median of $22,337 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus

#46

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus placed #46 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Physics students take on a median of $21,948 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile

California State University Sacramento offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. The median Physics program debt is $17,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about California State University Sacramento

#48

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University placed #48 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Physics students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne placed #49 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public school based in Fort Wayne, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,532, with out-of-state students paying around $22,887. Typical Physics student debt is $24,119. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne alumni report median earnings of $45,872 a decade after entry. Set against $24,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne

The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Edinburg, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Graduates carry a median of $14,694 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas Pan American

University Of North Texas ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Typical Physics student debt is $21,200. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas

#52

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete their Physics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Montclair State University report

#53

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University placed #53 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,625 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Towson University

Eastern Washington University ranked #54 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This public school is set in Cheney, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Graduates carry a median of $21,754 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,897 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Eastern Washington University

California State University Fullerton ranked #55 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Based in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,525 in student loans. California State University Fullerton alumni report median earnings of $62,951 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton

See value rankings for other degree levels:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

This list is compiled 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 959 ranked schools only.

References

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