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

3 Colleges in the United States
$24,049 Avg Student Debt
$54,395 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Physics Badge [Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 20 schools to find the best return on investment for physics students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Physics Schools in Tennessee

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

Best Value Physics Schools

1

Leading the list is Middle Tennessee State University, our #1 best value for physics in Tennessee. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Physics graduates carry a median of $22,754 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Middle Tennessee State University generally make around $43,575. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%.

2

Students looking for strong value in physics will find it at The University Of Tennessee, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. Physics graduates carry a median of $25,344 in student loans. Early-career physics graduates make about $49,826. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 20 schools evaluated.

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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