2026 Best Value Physics Schools in Michigan
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the physics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Physics Schools
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned the #1 spot for value among physics schools in Michigan. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete the physics program here. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $74,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%.
Wayne State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value physics schools. Set in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Physics graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. Physics graduates of Wayne State University earn a median of $55,469 early in their careers. Set against $26,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Michigan State University one of the best values for physics. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $27,000. Physics graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $56,792 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 27 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.
[Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong physics education at a price that pays off.
