by our College Data Analytics Team
[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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 56 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for physics students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the physics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Pennsylvania State University World Campus, our #1 best value for physics in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public school located in the city of University Park. In-state tuition and fees average $15,356. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physics, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Haverford College earned it the #3 place for physics. Located in the suburb of Haverford, Haverford College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $70,398 in tuition and fees. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $79,966. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus one of the best values for physics. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Pittsburgh. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete the physics program here. Physics graduates of University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earn a median of $56,926 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Gettysburg College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value physics schools. Gettysburg College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Gettysburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,640. Students borrow a median of $26,309 to complete the physics program here. Early-career physics graduates make about $43,376. Set against $26,309 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value physics schools. Set in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete the physics program here. Early-career physics graduates make about $74,352. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants.
Carnegie Mellon University placed #7 among the best values for physics. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete the physics program here. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $89,327. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus placed #8 among the best values for physics. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,644, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.
Drexel University came in at #9 for value in physics this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,412. Physics graduates carry a median of $30,847 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Drexel University generally make around $67,556. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%.
The ranking above is published 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 · 56 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.