2026 Best Value Physics Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region

1

Brigham Young University Idaho
Rexburg, ID

Brigham Young University Idaho tops our 2026 list of the best value physics schools in the Rocky Mountains Region. Located in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Physics graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Brigham Young University Idaho generally make around $43,853. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants.

2

Utah Valley University
Orem, UT

Students looking for strong value in physics will find it at Utah Valley University, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Physics graduates carry a median of $16,478 in student loans. Physics graduates of Utah Valley University earn a median of $51,242 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,478 median debt.

3

University Of Wyoming
Laramie, WY

Students looking for strong value in physics will find it at University Of Wyoming, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Physics graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. Early-career physics graduates make about $49,890. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants.

4

University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physics, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Students borrow a median of $21,990 to complete the physics program here. Early-career physics graduates make about $38,748. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

5

Brigham Young University Provo
Provo, UT

Brigham Young University Provo came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value physics schools. Set in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Physics graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Brigham Young University Provo generally make around $68,664. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.

6

Utah State University
Logan, UT

Utah State University earned the #6 position for value in physics this year. Set in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete the physics program here. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $50,348. Set against $16,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants.

7

The University Of Montana
Missoula, MT

The University Of Montana earned the #7 position for value in physics this year. The University Of Montana is a large public school located in the city of Missoula. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,552, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. Physics graduates carry a median of $24,342 in student loans. Physics graduates of The University Of Montana earn a median of $42,654 early in their careers. Set against $24,342 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

8

University Of Colorado Denver
Denver, CO

University Of Colorado Denver earned the #8 position for value in physics this year. University Of Colorado Denver is a very large public school located in the city of Denver. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. Physics graduates carry a median of $26,582 in student loans. Physics graduates of University Of Colorado Denver earn a median of $66,022 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants.

9

Colorado State University Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #9 among the best values for physics. Located in the city of Fort Collins, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,843 to complete the physics program here. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Colorado State University Fort Collins generally make around $51,927. Set against $22,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants.

10

Boise State University
Boise, ID

Boise State University came in at #10 for value in physics this year. Located in the city of Boise, Boise State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,048, compared with $27,788 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,175 to complete the physics program here. Early-career physics graduates make about $45,813. Set against $26,175 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boise State University admits about 87% of applicants.

11

Montana State University
Bozeman, MT

Montana State University came in at #11 for value in physics this year. Set in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,287. Students borrow a median of $23,635 to complete the physics program here. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Montana State University generally make around $47,703. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montana State University admits about 82% of applicants.

12

University Of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder earned the #12 position for value in physics this year. Set in the city of Boulder, University Of Colorado Boulder is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Physics graduates carry a median of $20,635 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from University Of Colorado Boulder generally make around $41,874. Set against $20,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

13

Colorado School Of Mines
Golden, CO

Colorado School Of Mines earned the #13 position for value in physics this year. Located in the suburb of Golden, Colorado School Of Mines is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $21,914, while out-of-state students pay about $45,824. Students borrow a median of $24,521 to complete the physics program here. Physics graduates of Colorado School Of Mines earn a median of $76,298 early in their careers. Set against $24,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado School Of Mines admits about 61% of applicants.

14

Colorado College
Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado College landed the #14 spot for physics value this year. Colorado College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Colorado Springs. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,734. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete the physics program here. Physics graduates of Colorado College earn a median of $37,342 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 18%.