2026 Best Value General Physics Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago tops our 2026 list of the best value general physics schools in Illinois. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,115 to complete the general physics program here. Early-career general physics graduates make about $61,829. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

Students looking for strong value in general physics will find it at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the general physics program here. Early-career general physics graduates make about $77,211. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.

3

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

Students looking for strong value in general physics will find it at University Of Chicago, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. General Physics graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. General Physics graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $81,002 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

4

Lewis University
Romeoville, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lewis University earned it the #4 place for general physics. Located in the suburb of Romeoville, Lewis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,200. General Physics graduates carry a median of $24,838 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general physics degree recipients from Lewis University generally make around $55,718. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

5

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois State University earned it the #5 place for general physics. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $21,896 to complete the general physics program here. General Physics graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $49,660 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

6

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general physics schools. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Typical student debt for general physics graduates is $16,616. Soon after graduation, general physics degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $78,551. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.

7

Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, IL

Illinois Wesleyan University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general physics schools. Located in the city of Bloomington, Illinois Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,704. Typical student debt for general physics graduates is $26,857. Early-career general physics graduates make about $50,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%.

8

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago landed the #8 spot for general physics value this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $53,710 in tuition and fees. General Physics graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Early-career general physics graduates make about $58,568. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants.