2026 Best Value Physics Master’s Degree Schools

#1

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Physics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo

#2

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Out of the 959 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Illinois University landed the #2 spot. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Typical Physics student debt is $27,639. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on Western Illinois University

#3

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming came in at #3 on this year's best-value Physics ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. Get the full University Of Wyoming report

#4

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

You'll get strong value at University Of Delaware, which ranked #4 this year. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. The median Physics program debt is $26,572. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware

#5

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

You'll get strong value at University Of Houston, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. The median Physics program debt is $25,925. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,925 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Houston

#6

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Physics student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report

#7

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA

Christopher Newport University placed #7 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Set in Newport News, VA, Christopher Newport University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,828 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,178. The median Physics program debt is $25,094. Median earnings reach $60,509 ten years out. Set against $25,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Christopher Newport University admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Christopher Newport University profile

#8

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas came in at #8 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. Students borrow a median of $21,200 to complete their Physics program here. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas

#9

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University placed #9 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. The median Physics program debt is $25,209. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University

#10

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Towson University is a public school based in Towson, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Towson University Physics students take on a median of $24,625 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,390 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Towson University

#11

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS

Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. The median Physics program debt is $24,262. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full Wichita State University profile

#12

The University Of Texas Pan American

Edinburg, TX

The University Of Texas Pan American ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Based in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas Pan American Physics students take on a median of $14,694 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,620 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Pan American

#13

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Physics students take on a median of $20,333 in debt. 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. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin

#14

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University placed #14 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full Northeastern University report

#15

Illinois Institute Of Technology

Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute Of Technology ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Located in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. Students borrow a median of $26,774 to complete their Physics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,592. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants. Read more about Illinois Institute Of Technology

#16

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #16 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical Physics student debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

#17

Bowling Green State University Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #17 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $25,449 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,896. Set against $25,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus

#18

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University placed #18 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Typical Physics student debt is $16,417. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. See the full San Diego State University profile

#19

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus placed #19 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. University Of Akron Main Campus Physics students take on a median of $25,347 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile

#20

Ohio University Main Campus

Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,546 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus

#21

California State University Long Beach

Long Beach, CA

California State University Long Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Typical Physics student 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. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. See the full California State University Long Beach profile

#22

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Students borrow a median of $15,982 to complete their Physics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. Set against $15,982 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara

#23

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Reno, NV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. University Of Nevada Reno Physics students take on a median of $19,918 in debt. 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 admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile

#24

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC

East Carolina University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This public school is set in Greenville, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Typical Physics student debt is $24,747. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,146. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full East Carolina University report

#25

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $17,522 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University College Station

#26

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Ames, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,495 to complete their Physics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Set against $23,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about Iowa State University

#26

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Students borrow a median of $20,650 to complete their Physics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,979. Set against $20,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on University Of Arizona

#26

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. 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. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report

#29

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on Temple University

#30

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Florida Atlantic University is a public school based in Boca Raton, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Florida Atlantic University Physics students take on a median of $20,212 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,746 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. More on Florida Atlantic University

#31

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Physics students take on a median of $23,594 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $23,594 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#32

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,961 to complete their Physics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,961 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on Cornell University

#33

California State University Fullerton

Fullerton, CA

California State University Fullerton ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This public school is set in Fullerton, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. The median Physics program debt is $15,525. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,951. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants. See the full California State University Fullerton profile

#34

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Cleveland State University is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,336 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,131 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,336 median debt. Cleveland State University admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Cleveland State University report

#35

The University Of Texas At El Paso

El Paso, TX

The University Of Texas At El Paso offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Typical Physics student debt is $19,819. Median earnings reach $50,923 ten years out. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At El Paso report

#36

California State University Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

California State University Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. California State University Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. California State University Los Angeles Physics students take on a median of $14,430 in debt. California State University Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $59,211 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,430 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California State University Los Angeles

#37

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. University Of Memphis Physics students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on University Of Memphis

#37

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #37 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Physics students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#39

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University placed #39 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $124,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. See the full Stanford University profile

#40

University Of Nevada Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #40 among the best-value Physics schools in the United States. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Students borrow a median of $21,181 to complete their Physics program here. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,181 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report

#41

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. The median Physics program debt is $21,948. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Set against $21,948 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. More on Purdue University Main Campus

#42

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Physics students take on a median of $28,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,289 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

#43

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $21,100 to complete their Physics program here. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles

#43

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Physics students take on a median of $15,508 in debt. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,508 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley

#45

Colorado State University Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Typical Physics student debt is $22,843. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,543. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins

#46

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus

#46

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. This public school is set in Morgantown, WV. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,772 in student loans. West Virginia University alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about West Virginia University

#46

California State University Northridge

Northridge, CA

California State University Northridge landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Typical Physics student debt is $16,202. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State University Northridge profile

#49

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,200 to complete their Physics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,200. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#50

University Of Massachusetts Lowell

Lowell, MA

University Of Massachusetts Lowell ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Physics schools. Located in Lowell, MA, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,966, compared with $36,264 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,177 in student loans. 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 more about University Of Massachusetts Lowell