2026 Best Value Physics Education Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago tops our 2026 list of the best value physics education schools in Illinois. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Physics Education graduates carry a median of $17,125 in student loans. Physics Education graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $61,829 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,125 median debt. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.

2

Augustana College Illinois
Rock Island, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Augustana College Illinois earned it the #2 place for physics education. Set in the city of Rock Island, Augustana College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,598 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for physics education graduates is $27,000. Early-career physics education graduates make about $45,145. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physics education, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the physics education program here. Soon after graduation, physics education degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $57,461. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

4

Bradley University
Peoria, IL

Students looking for strong value in physics education will find it at Bradley University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Peoria, Bradley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the physics education program here. Physics Education graduates of Bradley University earn a median of $42,917 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

5

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

A rank of #5 makes Depaul University one of the best values for physics education. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Students borrow a median of $26,910 to complete the physics education program here. Physics Education graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $52,130 early in their careers. Set against $26,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.