by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/general-physics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 18 schools to find the best return on investment for general physics students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general physics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Arizona Western College the best value for a degree in general physics in Arizona. Arizona Western College is a large public school located in the city of Yuma. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,060, compared with $9,870 for out-of-state students. Soon after graduation, general physics degree recipients from Arizona Western College generally make around $44,895.
Arizona State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general physics, landing the #2 spot this year. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $24,700 to complete the general physics program here. Early-career general physics graduates make about $30,503. That is a strong return on a $24,700 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for general physics. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. General Physics graduates carry a median of $20,650 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general physics degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $107,496. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
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This ranking is produced 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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.