2026 Best Value Physics Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Physics doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 959 institutions 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 evaluated 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 Physics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Provo, our #1 best-value Physics school in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Physics students take on a median of $12,184 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wyoming earned it the #2 place in the United States. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. More on University Of Wyoming
Out of the 959 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Delaware landed the #3 spot. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $26,572 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,572 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Delaware profile
University Of Houston came in at #4 on this year's best-value Physics ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Houston
You'll get strong value at Texas Tech University, which ranked #5 this year. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Texas Tech University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Texas earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $21,200 to complete their Physics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,200 median debt. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of North Texas profile
Northern Illinois University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. The median Physics program debt is $25,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,202 in tuition and fees. Illinois Institute Of Technology Physics students take on a median of $26,774 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,592. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. See the full Illinois Institute Of Technology profile
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #9 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Physics student debt is $20,333. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Northeastern University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $66,162. Typical Physics student debt is $26,797. Northeastern University alumni report median earnings of $92,538 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on Northeastern University
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,546 to complete their Physics program here. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Nevada Reno landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $19,918 median debt. University Of Nevada Reno has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
University Of California Santa Barbara placed #13 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,982 to complete their Physics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,915 ten years after entry. Set against $15,982 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
Temple University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. 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. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about Temple University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Physics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Iowa State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Physics student debt is $23,495. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full Iowa State University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Typical Physics student debt is $23,594. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $23,594 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Florida Atlantic University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This public school is set in Boca Raton, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $20,212 to complete their Physics program here. Florida Atlantic University alumni report median earnings of $56,746 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Florida Atlantic University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical Physics student debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Physics students take on a median of $17,522 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,961 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cornell University
Stanford University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. The median Physics program debt is $10,492. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stanford University report
University Of Arizona ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. The median Physics program debt is $20,650. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,979. That is a strong return on a $20,650 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Arizona report
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Physics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Nevada Las Vegas ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. The median Physics program debt is $21,181. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,037. That is a strong return on a $21,181 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public school based in Baton Rouge, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Physics students take on a median of $21,348 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,251. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
West Virginia University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. The median Physics program debt is $23,772. Median earnings reach $55,939 ten years out. Set against $23,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Virginia University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about West Virginia University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Graduates carry a median of $28,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,289. That is a strong return on a $28,750 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,490 in student loans. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,490 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
University Of California San Diego ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Students borrow a median of $16,800 to complete their Physics program here. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,800 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California San Diego
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $21,948 to complete their Physics program here. 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%. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Wake Forest University placed #33 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit school based in Winston-Salem, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,642. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete their Physics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,158. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. Wake Forest University has an acceptance rate of 22%. See the full Wake Forest University profile
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Physics students take on a median of $20,194 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,194 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Utah landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,990 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $21,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Utah
University Of Massachusetts Lowell landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public school based in Lowell, MA. Students from in state pay about $16,966 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,264 for out-of-state students. University Of Massachusetts Lowell Physics students take on a median of $22,177 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,874 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,177 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Lowell
Drexel University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,847 to complete their Physics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drexel University has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on Drexel University
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,115 to complete their Physics program here. Median earnings reach $68,740 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $21,100 to complete their Physics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Set against $21,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Northwestern University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. The median Physics program debt is $16,616. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,363 ten years after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 8%. See the full Northwestern University profile
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete their Physics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $18,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 17%. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
Florida State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Florida State University Physics students take on a median of $20,765 in debt. Florida State University alumni report median earnings of $61,675 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. More on Florida State University
Kent State University At Kent ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,174 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants. More on Kent State University At Kent
University Of California Merced landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Merced, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,653, with out-of-state students paying around $46,541. Typical Physics student debt is $18,318. University Of California Merced alumni report median earnings of $64,368 a decade after entry. Set against $18,318 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Merced
University Of Missouri St Louis landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Louis, MO, University Of Missouri St Louis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,120, with out-of-state students paying around $37,620. Typical Physics student debt is $25,943. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,037. That is a strong return on a $25,943 median debt. University Of Missouri St Louis has an acceptance rate of 63%. Get the full University Of Missouri St Louis report
Montana State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Based in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. The median Physics program debt is $23,635. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,263. Set against $23,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Montana State University report
Western Michigan University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Western Michigan University Physics students take on a median of $27,981 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on Western Michigan University
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $15,508 to complete their Physics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $15,508 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
The University Of Texas At Arlington offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. The median Physics program debt is $22,314. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,199 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Arlington
Related Physics Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Physics Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Physics Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Physics Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Physics Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Physics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Physics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Physics Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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
- 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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