2026 Best Physical Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Leading the list is Stanford University, our #1 Physical Sciences school in the United States. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. Stanford University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $10,492. Get the full Stanford University report

#2

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

You'll be in good company at Northwestern University, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. More on Northwestern University

#3

Illinois Institute Of Technology

Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #3 on this year's Physical Sciences ranking 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%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. Illinois Institute Of Technology Physical Sciences students take on a median of $26,774 in debt. More on Illinois Institute Of Technology

#4

Rochester Institute Of Technology

Rochester, NY

Out of the 1522 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Rochester Institute Of Technology landed the #4 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. Rochester Institute Of Technology graduates 72% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $59,210. Graduates carry a median of $25,629 in student loans. Read the full report on Rochester Institute Of Technology

#5

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

Out of the 1522 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #5 spot. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. University Of California Santa Barbara Physical Sciences students take on a median of $17,108 in debt. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara

#6

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $15,854. Read more about University Of Chicago

#7

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,001 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#8

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. 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, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $21,597. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#8

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northeastern University graduates 90% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Northeastern University Physical Sciences students take on a median of $25,441 in debt. Read more about Northeastern University

#10

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC

Wake Forest University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit school based in Winston-Salem, NC. Wake Forest University posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,642. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. See the full Wake Forest University profile

#11

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. About 75% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $24,173. Read the full report on Iowa State University

#12

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. University Of California Berkeley posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $13,352 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#13

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $15,465. Get the full Cornell University report

#14

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park placed #14 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. University Of Maryland College Park posts a six-year graduation rate of 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. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report

#15

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities did well this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Physical Sciences students take on a median of $22,062 in debt. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#16

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $23,700. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming

#17

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University did well this year, earning the #17 position. Drexel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 78%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. Graduates carry a median of $30,151 in student loans. See the full Drexel University profile

#18

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $16,322. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

#19

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $21,669 in student loans. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#20

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware did well this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. About 82% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,581. More on University Of Delaware

#21

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. Johns Hopkins University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,730. Graduates carry a median of $12,366 in student loans. More on Johns Hopkins University

#22

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston came in at #22 in this year's ranking. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. About 65% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. University Of Houston Physical Sciences students take on a median of $19,222 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Houston

#23

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University did well this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. See the full Temple University profile

#24

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, 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. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus

#25

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. 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. Students borrow a median of $23,539 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read the full report on University Of Arizona

#26

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame placed #26 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read more about University Of Notre Dame

#27

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #27 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Physical Sciences students take on a median of $20,990 in debt. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

#28

Baylor University

Waco, TX

Baylor University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Based in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Baylor University posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $58,100. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Baylor University

#29

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $26,405. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

#30

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #30 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. 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. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus

#31

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno did well this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. University Of Nevada Reno graduates 61% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $18,613. More on University Of Nevada Reno

#32

University Of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Based in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. University Of Colorado Boulder graduates 74% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read more about University Of Colorado Boulder

#33

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #33 position. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Purdue University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $19,568. More on Purdue University Main Campus

#34

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station placed #34 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 run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,139 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station

#35

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. About 85% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,080. University Of Rochester Physical Sciences students take on a median of $19,590 in debt. Read more about University Of Rochester

#36

University Of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, MA

University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #36 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Amherst, MA. University Of Massachusetts Amherst posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. More on University Of Massachusetts Amherst

#37

University Of Missouri St Louis

Saint Louis, MO

University Of Missouri St Louis placed #37 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Saint Louis, MO, University Of Missouri St Louis is a public institution. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,120, with out-of-state students paying around $37,620. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,943. See the full University Of Missouri St Louis profile

#38

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Graduates carry a median of $21,831 in student loans. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report

#39

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego did well this year, earning the #39 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, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $16,387. Read more about University Of California San Diego

#40

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $26,205. More on Texas Tech University

#41

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington did well this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $20,560. More on Indiana University Bloomington

#42

Ohio State University Main Campus

Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Ohio State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Physical Sciences students take on a median of $24,568 in debt. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus

#43

Brandeis University

Waltham, MA

Brandeis University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. Set in Waltham, MA, Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,080. Students borrow a median of $25,484 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. Read the full report on Brandeis University

#44

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Physical Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,102. The median Physical Sciences program debt is $27,000. See the full Boston University profile

#45

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Located in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,078. Students borrow a median of $24,242 to complete their Physical Sciences program here. More on Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

#46

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #46 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Physical Sciences students take on a median of $23,803 in debt. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

#47

Colorado School Of Mines

Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines placed #47 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Golden, CO. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,914, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. Graduates carry a median of $24,521 in student loans. Get the full Colorado School Of Mines report

#48

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University placed #48 among Physical Sciences schools in the United States. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. San Diego State University graduates 76% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Graduates carry a median of $18,730 in student loans. See the full San Diego State University profile

#49

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. University Of Iowa graduates 75% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical Physical Sciences student debt is $25,956. Get the full University Of Iowa report

#50

University Of Illinois At Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago did well this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. University Of Illinois At Chicago posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Graduates carry a median of $22,482 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago