2026 Best Value Engineering Physics Schools in the Southeast Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in engineering physics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Engineering Physics Schools
Leading the list is Murray State University, our #1 best value for engineering physics in the Southeast Region. Located in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for engineering physics graduates is $19,521. Soon after graduation, engineering physics degree recipients from Murray State University generally make around $58,025. Set against $19,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
A rank of #2 makes Florida Polytechnic University one of the best values for engineering physics. Set in the rural area of Lakeland, Florida Polytechnic University is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,940 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,004. Engineering Physics graduates carry a median of $7,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering physics degree recipients from Florida Polytechnic University generally make around $64,823. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in engineering physics will find it at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Daytona Beach, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $44,074. Engineering Physics graduates carry a median of $23,667 in student loans. Early-career engineering physics graduates make about $56,889. That is a strong return on a $23,667 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
Tulane University Of Louisiana came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value engineering physics schools. Located in the city of New Orleans, Tulane University Of Louisiana is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,678. Engineering Physics graduates carry a median of $22,077 in student loans. Soon after graduation, engineering physics degree recipients from Tulane University Of Louisiana generally make around $54,082. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 14%.
Narrow Engineering Physics Schools by State
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 25 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
[Engineering Physics](/majors/engineering/engineering-physics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
