by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/general-physics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general physics education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 55 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general physics students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general physics, balancing cost against outcomes.
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania tops our 2026 list of the best value general physics schools in Pennsylvania. Set in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in general physics will find it at Haverford College, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Haverford, Haverford College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $70,398 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,966 ten years after entry. Haverford College admits about 12% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus one of the best values for general physics. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete the general physics program here. Early-career general physics graduates make about $56,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Gettysburg College one of the best values for general physics. Set in the town of Gettysburg, Gettysburg College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $66,640 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,309 to complete the general physics program here. Soon after graduation, general physics degree recipients from Gettysburg College generally make around $43,376. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gettysburg College admits about 39% of applicants.
University Of Pennsylvania is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general physics, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. General Physics graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general physics degree recipients from University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $74,352. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%.
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Carnegie Mellon University placed #6 among the best values for general physics. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. General Physics graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Early-career general physics graduates make about $89,327. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #7 for value in general physics this year. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. The acceptance rate is 61%.
Drexel University earned the #8 position for value in general physics this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general physics graduates is $30,847. Early-career general physics graduates make about $67,556. That is a strong return on a $30,847 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.
The ranking above is published 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 · 55 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.