[Atomic/Molecular Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/atomic-molecular-physics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 6 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for atomic/molecular physics students.
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Finding the Best Value Atomic/Molecular Physics School for You
Where you study atomic/molecular physics affects both what you pay and what you earn. To help, we created our Best Value Atomic/Molecular Physics Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Atomic/Molecular Physics Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
University Of Utah tops our 2026 list of the best value atomic/molecular physics schools in the United States. University Of Utah is a very large public school located in the city of Salt Lake City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,990 to complete the atomic/molecular physics program here. Early-career atomic/molecular physics graduates make about $60,527. Set against $21,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Diego State University earned it the #2 place for atomic/molecular physics. Located in the city of San Diego, San Diego State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,417 to complete the atomic/molecular physics program here. Atomic/molecular Physics graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $51,162 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%.
A rank of #3 makes Harvard University one of the best values for atomic/molecular physics. Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Typical student debt for atomic/molecular physics graduates is $16,616. Soon after graduation, atomic/molecular physics degree recipients from Harvard University generally make around $95,207. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in atomic/molecular physics will find it at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities, which ranked #4. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Atomic/molecular Physics graduates carry a median of $23,594 in student loans. Early-career atomic/molecular physics graduates make about $54,350. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Students looking for strong value in atomic/molecular physics will find it at Ohio State University Main Campus, which ranked #5. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for atomic/molecular physics graduates is $23,357. Atomic/molecular Physics graduates of Ohio State University Main Campus earn a median of $82,495 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.
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 · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 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).
[Atomic/Molecular Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/atomic-molecular-physics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
