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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Physics Schools in Wisconsin

3 Colleges in the United States
$24,933 Avg Student Debt
$58,462 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Physics Badge [Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong physics education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 17 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for physics students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Physics Schools in Wisconsin

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physics, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Physics Schools

1

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point earned the #1 spot for value among physics schools in Wisconsin. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Stevens Point. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Physics graduates carry a median of $24,161 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point generally make around $41,256. That is a strong return on a $24,161 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants.

2

University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physics, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of River Falls, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Students borrow a median of $30,000 to complete the physics program here. Early-career physics graduates make about $62,196. That is a strong return on a $30,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value physics schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $20,500. Early-career physics graduates make about $36,878. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

4

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physics, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Physics graduates carry a median of $26,657 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee generally make around $46,561. That is a strong return on a $26,657 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.

5

Students looking for strong value in physics will find it at University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Eau Claire, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,574 to complete the physics program here. Physics graduates of University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire earn a median of $49,911 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

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Carthage College crest
Carthage College
Kenosha, WI

Carthage College placed #6 among the best values for physics. Set in the city of Kenosha, Carthage College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,750. Students borrow a median of $25,708 to complete the physics program here. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Carthage College generally make around $41,923. Set against $25,708 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carthage College admits about 87% of applicants.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 17 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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