2026 Best Value Physics Schools in Missouri
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Physics Schools
Leading the list is Missouri University Of Science And Technology, our #1 best value for physics in Missouri. Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Rolla. Students from in state pay about $14,984 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $25,187. Early-career physics graduates make about $74,532. That is a strong return on a $25,187 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Students looking for strong value in physics will find it at University Of Missouri Columbia, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $16,005 to complete the physics program here. Physics graduates of University Of Missouri Columbia earn a median of $53,134 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,005 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Missouri State University Springfield one of the best values for physics. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,408 to complete the physics program here. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $46,503. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Washington University In St Louis one of the best values for physics. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $65,790 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete the physics program here. Physics graduates of Washington University In St Louis earn a median of $68,303 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants.
Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 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.
[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.
