2026 Best Physical Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools

#1

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Our analysis found Stanford University to be the best Physical Sciences school in the United States. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stanford University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. Students from in state pay about $65,910 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Read more about Stanford University

#2

Illinois Institute Of Technology

Chicago, IL

The strong Physical Sciences programs at Illinois Institute Of Technology earned it the #2 place in the United States. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Illinois Institute Of Technology posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,202. Graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. See the full Illinois Institute Of Technology profile

#3

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

A rank of #3 makes Northwestern University one of the top choices in the United States. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Northwestern University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. More on Northwestern University

#4

Rochester Institute Of Technology

Rochester, NY

A rank of #4 makes Rochester Institute Of Technology one of the top choices in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. Rochester Institute Of Technology posts a six-year graduation rate of 72%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,210. Students borrow a median of $25,629 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read more about Rochester Institute Of Technology

#5

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago came in at #5 on this year's Physical Sciences ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read more about University Of Chicago

#6

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northeastern University graduates 90% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Northeastern University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $25,441 in debt. See the full Northeastern University profile

#7

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware did well this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. University Of Delaware graduates 82% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,581. Get the full University Of Delaware report

#8

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. Set in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,642. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. More on Wake Forest University

#9

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station placed #9 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $19,139. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile

#10

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin placed #10 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Physical Sciences students take on a median of $19,001 in debt. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#11

College Of The Holy Cross

Worcester, MA

College Of The Holy Cross landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. Set in Worcester, MA, College Of The Holy Cross is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,500. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $27,000. See the full College Of The Holy Cross profile

#12

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. University Of California Berkeley posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $13,352. More on University Of California Berkeley

#13

Williams College

Williamstown, MA

Williams College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Williamstown, MA. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,560. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read the full report on Williams College

#14

University Of Wisconsin River Falls

River Falls, WI

University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #14 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. University Of Wisconsin River Falls posts a six-year graduation rate of 57%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Graduates carry a median of $30,000 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls

#15

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park came in at #15 in this year's ranking. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Physical Sciences students take on a median of $20,810 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park

#16

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara placed #16 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. University Of California Santa Barbara posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $17,108 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report

#17

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $15,465 in student loans. Read the full report on Cornell University

#18

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott

Prescott, AZ

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Based in Prescott, AZ, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a private not-for-profit institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,974. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $26,085. Read more about Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott

#19

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $23,803. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#20

St Olaf College

Northfield, MN

St Olaf College placed #20 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Northfield, MN, St Olaf College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $59,760. St Olaf College Physical Sciences students take on a median of $24,486 in debt. Get the full St Olaf College report

#21

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,173 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Get the full Iowa State University report

#22

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #22 in this year's ranking. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $21,597 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#23

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #23 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%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,062 in student loans. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#24

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach, FL

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach did well this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,074. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $26,085. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach

#25

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. About 59% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $23,700. Read more about University Of Wyoming

#26

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. Purdue University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $19,568. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus

#27

Union College New York

Schenectady, NY

Union College New York did well this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Schenectady, NY, Union College New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Union College New York graduates 80% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,039. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,869. Get the full Union College New York report

#29

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University placed #29 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Get the full Drexel University report

#30

Texas A And M University Kingsville

Kingsville, TX

Texas A And M University Kingsville placed #30 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kingsville, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 42%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,531. See the full Texas A And M University Kingsville profile

#31

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania

East Stroudsburg, PA

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania did well this year, earning the #31 position. Located in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania graduates 43% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,236, with out-of-state students paying around $19,202. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $26,527. Read more about East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania

#32

Wofford College

Spartanburg, SC

Wofford College placed #32 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Spartanburg, SC, Wofford College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,005. Graduates carry a median of $24,643 in student loans. More on Wofford College

#33

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego did well this year, earning the #33 position. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,387 in student loans. Read more about University Of California San Diego

#34

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

La Crosse, WI

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse did well this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. Students from in state pay about $10,070 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse Physical Sciences students take on a median of $26,292 in debt. More on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

#35

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania

Millersville, PA

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania did well this year, earning the #35 position. Located 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, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania Physical Sciences students take on a median of $21,249 in debt. See the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania profile

#36

University Of North Alabama

Florence, AL

University Of North Alabama came in at #36 in this year's ranking. Set in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,120, compared with $22,320 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,830 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read the full report on University Of North Alabama

#37

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA

Pacific Lutheran University placed #37 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Tacoma, WA. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,916. Pacific Lutheran University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. See the full Pacific Lutheran University profile

#38

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona did well this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,539 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Get the full University Of Arizona report

#39

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University placed #39 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $12,366. See the full Johns Hopkins University profile

#40

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates 85% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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

#41

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #41 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $19,425 in student loans. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report

#42

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University did well this year, earning the #42 position. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $28,289 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read more about Michigan State University

#43

Hope College

Holland, MI

Hope College did well this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Holland, MI, Hope College 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 $39,484. Graduates carry a median of $26,636 in student loans. Get the full Hope College report

#44

Eastern Washington University

Cheney, WA

Eastern Washington University landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Eastern Washington University is a public school based in Cheney, WA. About 44% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,586, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. Eastern Washington University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $21,754 in debt. Read more about Eastern Washington University

#45

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #45 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $25,000. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report

#46

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #46 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. About 91% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $16,279 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#47

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University placed #47 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Temple University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Read more about Temple University

#48

Smith College

Northampton, MA

Smith College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Based in Northampton, MA, Smith College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,178. Smith College Physical Sciences students take on a median of $18,941 in debt. Get the full Smith College report

#49

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Graduates carry a median of $22,558 in student loans. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile

#50

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno placed #50 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Nevada Reno is a public school based in Reno, NV. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,613 in student loans. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile

#51

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #51 in this year's ranking. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,692 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus