2026 Best General Physics Schools in Illinois

1

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University tops our 2026 ranking of the best general physics schools. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Evanston. About 95% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 47 general physics students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern University in the most recent data year. General Physics graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $78,551 early in their careers. Northwestern University graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. More information about a degree in general physics from Northwestern University

2

University Of Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in general physics, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. About 107 general physics degrees were awarded at University Of Chicago in the most recent year. General Physics graduates of University Of Chicago earn a median of $81,002 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete this degree. See the full general physics program report for University Of Chicago

3

Illinois Wesleyan University
Bloomington, IL

A rank of #3 makes Illinois Wesleyan University one of the top schools for general physics. Located in the city of Bloomington, Illinois Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit university. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Illinois Wesleyan University awarded about 13 general physics degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general physics degree from Illinois Wesleyan University earn around $50,808 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,857. More information about a degree in general physics from Illinois Wesleyan University

4

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

Students looking for a strong general physics program will find one at University Of Illinois At Chicago, which ranked #4. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. About 26 general physics degrees were awarded at University Of Illinois At Chicago in the most recent year. Students who receive their general physics degree from University Of Illinois At Chicago earn around $61,829 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Illinois At Chicago graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Get the full general physics details for University Of Illinois At Chicago

5

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Illinois State University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in general physics, landing the #5 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Normal. About 64% of students finish within six years. About 15 general physics degrees were awarded at Illinois State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their general physics degree from Illinois State University earn around $49,660 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,896 to complete this degree. See the full general physics program report for Illinois State University

6

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #6 for general physics this year. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates 85% of students within six years. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign awarded about 83 general physics degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their general physics degree from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn around $77,211 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in general physics from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

7

Lewis University
Romeoville, IL

Lewis University placed #7 among the best general physics schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Romeoville. Lewis University graduates 67% of students within six years. Lewis University awarded about 11 general physics degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the general physics program make about $55,718 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,838. See the full general physics program report for Lewis University