by our College Data Analytics Team
[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.
College Factual analyzed 19 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value physics schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the physics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Arizona Western College, our #1 best value for physics in Arizona. Set in the city of Yuma, Arizona Western College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,060, while out-of-state students pay about $9,870. Early-career physics graduates make about $44,895.
Arizona State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value physics schools. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $24,700 to complete the physics program here. Early-career physics graduates make about $30,503. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for physics. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $20,650 to complete the physics program here. Physics graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $107,496 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physics, landing the #4 spot this year. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Prescott. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,974. Physics graduates carry a median of $24,707 in student loans. Early-career physics graduates make about $64,690. Set against $24,707 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
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This ranking is produced 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 · 19 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.