2026 Best Value Physics Schools in Georgia
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Physics Schools
For return on investment in physics, no school beat University Of North Georgia this year. Located in the town of Dahlonega, University Of North Georgia is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $21,439. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from University Of North Georgia generally make around $43,714. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Georgia admits about 68% of applicants.
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physics, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $21,831. Physics graduates of Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earn a median of $83,560 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,831 median debt. The acceptance rate is 14%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Georgia State University earned it the #3 place for physics. Georgia State University is a very large public school located in the city of Atlanta. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,296 to complete the physics program here. Early-career physics graduates make about $31,001. Set against $26,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in physics will find it at Kennesaw State University, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of Kennesaw, Kennesaw State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. Physics graduates carry a median of $27,004 in student loans. Physics graduates of Kennesaw State University earn a median of $53,824 early in their careers. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Emory University earned it the #5 place for physics. Emory University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Atlanta. Students from in state pay about $64,280 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $19,431. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Emory University generally make around $67,840. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%.
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 · 21 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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
