2026 Best Physical Sciences Schools

#1

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

No school ranked higher than Stanford University this year in the United States. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. More on Stanford University

#2

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

You'll be in good company at Northwestern University, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Northwestern University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Get the full Northwestern University report

#3

Illinois Institute Of Technology

Chicago, IL

Out of the 1522 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Illinois Institute Of Technology landed the #3 spot. Located in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $26,774. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report

#4

Rochester Institute Of Technology

Rochester, NY

The strong Physical Sciences programs at Rochester Institute Of Technology earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Rochester, NY, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. About 72% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,210. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,629. See the full Rochester Institute Of Technology profile

#5

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

The strong Physical Sciences programs at University Of Chicago earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Chicago graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read the full report on University Of Chicago

#6

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Northeastern University posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,441 in student loans. Read more about Northeastern University

#7

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $19,001. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#8

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University did well this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. Wake Forest University posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Students from in state pay about $67,642 in tuition and fees. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $22,250. See the full Wake Forest University profile

#9

Williams College

Williamstown, MA

Williams College came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Set in Williamstown, MA, Williams College is a private not-for-profit institution. Williams College posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Students from in state pay about $68,560 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Williams College

#10

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley placed #10 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $13,352 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report

#11

University Of Wisconsin River Falls

River Falls, WI

University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. About 57% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. Graduates carry a median of $30,000 in student loans. More on University Of Wisconsin River Falls

#12

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. University Of California Santa Barbara graduates 83% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $17,108. Read more about University Of California Santa Barbara

#13

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Cornell University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $15,465 in debt. Get the full Cornell University report

#14

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware did well this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. University Of Delaware posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,581. See the full University Of Delaware profile

#15

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. About 85% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $21,597 in student loans. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#16

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Students borrow a median of $20,810 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park

#17

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Iowa State University graduates 75% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $24,173 in student loans. Get the full Iowa State University report

#18

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #18 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $22,062. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report

#19

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station placed #19 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. About 84% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $19,139. More on Texas A And M University College Station

#20

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, FL

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach placed #20 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit school based in Daytona Beach, FL. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach posts a six-year graduation rate of 66%. In-state tuition and fees average $44,074. Graduates carry a median of $26,085 in student loans. Read the full report on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach

#21

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming came in at #21 in this year's ranking. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. University Of Wyoming posts a six-year graduation rate of 59%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,700 in student loans. More on University Of Wyoming

#22

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University placed #22 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. About 94% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $12,366. Read more about Johns Hopkins University

#23

Texas A And M University Kingsville

Kingsville, TX

Texas A And M University Kingsville did well this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Kingsville, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 42%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Students borrow a median of $25,531 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Kingsville

#24

Union College New York

Schenectady, NY

Union College New York did well this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Schenectady, NY, Union College New York is a private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,039. Students borrow a median of $25,869 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read the full report on Union College New York

#26

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University came in at #26 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Drexel University graduates 78% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. Graduates carry a median of $30,151 in student loans. Read the full report on Drexel University

#27

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. University Of Arizona posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $23,539 in student loans. See the full University Of Arizona profile

#28

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #28 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $23,803. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

#29

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania

East Stroudsburg, PA

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania did well this year, earning the #29 position. Set in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 43%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,236, compared with $19,202 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $26,527. Read more about East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania

#30

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Purdue University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $19,568. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report

#31

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania

Millersville, PA

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Based in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania graduates 58% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $21,249. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania

#32

University Of North Alabama

Florence, AL

University Of North Alabama came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Located in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. University Of North Alabama posts a six-year graduation rate of 55%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,120, compared with $22,320 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $24,830. More on University Of North Alabama

#33

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA

Pacific Lutheran University did well this year, earning the #33 position. Pacific Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit school based in Tacoma, WA. About 69% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,916. Pacific Lutheran University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. See the full Pacific Lutheran University profile

#34

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. North Carolina State University At Raleigh posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $21,669. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#35

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Oklahoma State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Physical Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report

#36

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston came in at #36 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Houston, TX. University Of Houston graduates 65% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. University Of Houston Physical Sciences students take on a median of $19,222 in debt. Read more about University Of Houston

#37

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University placed #37 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. More on Temple University

#38

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #38 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Physical Sciences students take on a median of $19,425 in debt. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report

#39

Hope College

Holland, MI

Hope College placed #39 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Holland, MI, Hope College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $39,484. Students borrow a median of $26,636 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read the full report on Hope College

#40

Eastern Washington University

Cheney, WA

Eastern Washington University placed #40 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. Students from in state pay about $8,586 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $21,754. Read more about Eastern Washington University

#41

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #41 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,322 in student loans. Read more about Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

#42

Smith College

Northampton, MA

Smith College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is a private not-for-profit institution. Smith College graduates 89% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,178. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $18,941. Read the full report on Smith College

#43

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire did well this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Students borrow a median of $22,558 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

#44

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego came in at #44 in this year's ranking. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Students borrow a median of $16,387 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Get the full University Of California San Diego report

#45

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. More on University Of Notre Dame

#46

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno came in at #46 in this year's ranking. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. 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 Physical Sciences students take on a median of $18,613 in debt. More on University Of Nevada Reno

#47

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #47 in this year's ranking. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Graduates carry a median of $20,990 in student loans. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile

#48

Baylor University

Waco, TX

Baylor University did well this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,100. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full Baylor University report

#48

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University did well this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. About 70% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $23,666. Get the full Towson University report

#51

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #51 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Students borrow a median of $26,405 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

#52

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #52 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill graduates 91% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Physical Sciences students take on a median of $16,279 in debt. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill