2026 Best Value Physics Schools in Minnesota
[Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 20 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value physics schools.
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2026 Best Value Physics Schools in Minnesota
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Physics Schools
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned the #1 spot for value among physics schools in Minnesota. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Physics graduates carry a median of $23,594 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $54,350. That is a strong return on a $23,594 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Minnesota Duluth one of the best values for physics. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public school located in the city of Duluth. In-state tuition and fees average $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Students borrow a median of $24,624 to complete the physics program here. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Duluth generally make around $46,572. Set against $24,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants.
St Olaf College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physics, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Northfield, St Olaf College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,760. Physics graduates carry a median of $23,762 in student loans. Early-career physics graduates make about $40,848. That is a strong return on a $23,762 median debt. The acceptance rate is 48%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Carleton College earned it the #4 place for physics. Set in the town of Northfield, Carleton College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,892 in tuition and fees. Physics graduates carry a median of $17,566 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Carleton College generally make around $45,096. That is a strong return on a $17,566 median debt. The acceptance rate is 20%.
Students looking for strong value in physics will find it at Bethel University Minnesota, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Saint Paul, Bethel University Minnesota is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,226. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $25,639. Physics graduates of Bethel University Minnesota earn a median of $61,465 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bethel University Minnesota admits about 88% of applicants.
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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 · 20 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 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.
