College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2022 Most Popular Doctor's Degree Colleges for Physics

190 Colleges in the United States
1,801 Doctor's Degrees
$117,200 Avg Early-Career Salary
Ranked #16 in popularity, physics is one of the most sought-after doctor's degree programs in the nation. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

For its 2022 ranking, College Factual looked at 190 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the most popular for physics students pursuing a doctor's degree. Combined, these schools handed out 1,801 doctor's degrees in physics to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Physics School for Your Doctor's Degree

Most Popular Doctor's Degree Colleges for Physics The physics doctor's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. As an aid in helping you pick the right school for you, we created our Most Popular Doctor's Degree Colleges for Physics ranking.

A high popularity ranking isn't always a sign that a school has a great overall quality ranking for physics, but it does mean that many students are choosing the school for some reason. This may be due to it being a great value, it offering a stellar educational experience, or the subject is a major focus of the school.

More Ways to Rank Physics Schools

Associate Degrees in Physics
Bachelor's Degrees in Physics
Master's Degrees in Physics
Overall Popularity in Physics

This is not our only ranking, nor the only degree level we have ranked. In addition to this ranking, you may want to take at the rankings for different degree levels as called out above. You can also narrow your search by location by filtering for a certain area of the country. Plus, you can view our other rankings for physics.

Learn about the most popular colleges and universities for physics students seeking a a doctor's degree. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Physics Students Working on Their Doctorate

1
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
57 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#1 Best Quality In CA

Stanford University is a popular option for individuals interested in a doctor's degree in physics. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in California.

There were about 57 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at Stanford in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a doctorate in physics from Stanford University

2
45 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
#3 Best Quality In CA

University of California - Berkeley is a popular choice for individuals pursuing a doctor's degree in physics. Located in the city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley is a public university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in California.

There were about 45 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent data year.

More information about a doctorate in physics from University of California - Berkeley

3
39 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MI
#1 Best Quality In MI

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor if you wish to pursue a doctor's degree in physics. Located in the midsize city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Michigan.

There were about 39 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year.

More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

3
39 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IL
#4 Best Quality In IL

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the most popular schools in the country for getting a doctor's degree in physics. UIUC is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Champaign. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #4 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Illinois.

There were about 39 physics students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

5
38 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CO
#1 Best Quality In CO

Located in the city of Boulder, CU - Boulder is a public university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Colorado.

There were roughly 38 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at CU - Boulder in the most recent data year.

More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Colorado Boulder

6
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
37 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MA
#2 Best Quality In MA

Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Massachusetts.

There were about 37 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a doctorate in physics from Harvard University

7
35 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MD
#2 Best Quality In MD

Located in the suburb of College Park, UMCP is a public university with a very large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Maryland.

There were approximately 35 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent data year.

More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Maryland - College Park

8
31 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MA
#1 Best Quality In MA

MIT is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Massachusetts.

There were approximately 31 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at MIT in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a doctorate in physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology

9
29 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AZ
#1 Best Quality In AZ

University of Arizona is a fairly large public university located in the city of Tucson. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Arizona.

There were about 29 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at University of Arizona in the most recent data year.

Soon after graduating, physics doctorate recipients typically make around $117,200 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Arizona

10
27 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#1 Best Quality In TX

UT Austin is a very large public university located in the large city of Austin. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Texas.

There were approximately 27 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a doctorate in physics from The University of Texas at Austin

11
26 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OH
#1 Best Quality In OH

Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State is a public university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Ohio.

There were about 26 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a doctorate in physics from Ohio State University - Main Campus

12
25 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#2 Best Quality In NY

Located in the small city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in New York.

There were about 25 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent data year.

More information about a doctorate in physics from Cornell University

12
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
25 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CT
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type

Yale is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of New Haven.

There were roughly 25 physics students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent data year.

More information about a doctorate in physics from Yale University

14
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
24 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MI
#2 Best Quality In MI

Michigan State is a very large public university located in the small city of East Lansing. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Michigan.

There were about 24 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent data year.

More information about a doctorate in physics from Michigan State University

15
23 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In IL
#1 Best Quality In IL

UChicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Illinois.

There were about 23 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent data year.

More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Chicago

16
22 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In CA
#4 Best Quality In CA

Located in the large city of La Jolla, UCSD is a public university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in California.

There were about 22 physics students who graduated with this degree at UCSD in the most recent data year.

More information about a doctorate in physics from University of California - San Diego

16
22 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In CA
#6 Best Quality In CA

UCLA is a very large public university located in the city of Los Angeles. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #6 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in California.

There were about 22 physics students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a doctorate in physics from University of California - Los Angeles

16
22 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In LA
#1 Best Quality In LA

Louisiana State University is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Baton Rouge. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Louisiana.

There were about 22 physics students who graduated with this degree at Louisiana State University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a doctorate in physics from Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

16
22 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In GA
#1 Best Quality In GA

Georgia Tech is a fairly large public school located in the city of Atlanta. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Georgia.

There were approximately 22 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at Georgia Tech in the most recent data year.

More information about a doctorate in physics from Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus

20
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
21 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In FL
#2 Best Quality In FL

Florida State is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Tallahassee. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Florida.

There were roughly 21 physics students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a doctorate in physics from Florida State University

20
21 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NM
#2 Best Quality In NM

Located in the large city of Albuquerque, UNM is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in New Mexico.

There were approximately 21 physics individuals who graduated with this degree at UNM in the most recent data year.

More information about a doctorate in physics from University of New Mexico - Main Campus

20
21 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WI
#1 Best Quality In WI

UW - Madison is a very large public university located in the large city of Madison. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Wisconsin.

There were approximately 21 physics students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Wisconsin - Madison

23
20 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#5 Most Popular In CA
#5 Best Quality In CA

UCSB is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #5 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in California.

There were approximately 20 physics students who graduated with this degree at UCSB in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a doctorate in physics from University of California - Santa Barbara

23
20 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OR
#1 Best Quality In OR

Located in the city of Eugene, UO is a public university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Oregon.

There were about 20 physics students who graduated with this degree at UO in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a doctorate in physics from University of Oregon

25
19 Annual Doctor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TN
#2 Best Quality In TN

UT Knoxville is a fairly large public university located in the city of Knoxville. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for doctor's degrees in physics in Tennessee.

There were about 19 physics students who graduated with this degree at UT Knoxville in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a doctorate in physics from The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

25
25
25
Rice crest
Rice University
Houston, TX
28
28
SUNY Stony Brook crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
28

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Physics students that almost earned our Most Popular Doctor's Degree Colleges for Physics award.

Rank College Location
31 University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
31 University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY
31 University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN
31 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC
35 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
35 University of Florida Gainesville, FL
35 University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WA
35 Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA
35 The Graduate Center, CUNY New York, NY
35 Washington University in St Louis Saint Louis, MO

Physics by Region

View the Most Popular Doctor's Degree Colleges for Physics for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Physics is one of 8 different types of Physical Sciences programs to choose from.

Physics Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
General Physics 1,667
Other Physics 64
Optics/Optical Sciences 45
Acoustics 9
Condensed Matter & Materials Physics 5
Atomic/Molecular Physics 5
Nuclear Physics 4
Elementary Particle Physics 2

Related Major Annual Graduates
Chemistry 2,844
Geological & Earth Sciences 808
Astronomy & Astrophysics 170
Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology 158
Materials Sciences 142
General Physical Sciences 33
Other Physical Science 28
Physics and Astronomy 5

Notes and References

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options