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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value General Physics Schools in Virginia

8 Colleges in the United States
$23,348 Avg Student Debt
$69,358 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Physics Badge [General Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/general-physics/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general physics education at a price that pays off.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 25 schools to find the best return on investment for general physics students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value General Physics Schools in Virginia

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general physics degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value General Physics Schools

1

George Mason University earned the #1 spot for value among general physics schools in Virginia. Set in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete the general physics program here. General Physics graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $63,131 early in their careers. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

2
Longwood University crest
Longwood University
Farmville, VA

Students looking for strong value in general physics will find it at Longwood University, which ranked #2. Longwood University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Farmville. In-state tuition and fees average $15,740, compared with $27,980 for out-of-state students. General Physics graduates carry a median of $25,649 in student loans. General Physics graduates of Longwood University earn a median of $43,800 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,649 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

3
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general physics, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Students borrow a median of $21,218 to complete the general physics program here. Soon after graduation, general physics degree recipients from James Madison University generally make around $52,997. That is a strong return on a $21,218 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

4

Students looking for strong value in general physics will find it at College Of William And Mary, which ranked #4. College Of William And Mary is a large public school located in the suburb of Williamsburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,734, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete the general physics program here. General Physics graduates of College Of William And Mary earn a median of $53,338 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 34%.

5

University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value general physics schools. Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Students borrow a median of $18,627 to complete the general physics program here. Early-career general physics graduates make about $69,126. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants.

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6

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #6 for value in general physics this year. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general physics program here. General Physics graduates of Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn a median of $58,061 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

7
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general physics schools. Set in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete the general physics program here. Early-career general physics graduates make about $45,877. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 25 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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