by our College Data Analytics Team
[Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 23 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.
Our analysis ranked Grinnell College the best value for a degree in physics in Iowa. Located in the town of Grinnell, Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,196 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,154 to complete the physics program here. Early-career physics graduates make about $38,888. Set against $17,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%.
Coe College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value physics schools. Set in the city of Cedar Rapids, Coe College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,666. Physics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career physics graduates make about $44,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Iowa one of the best values for physics. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,463 to complete the physics program here. Early-career physics graduates make about $57,375. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants.
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This ranking is produced 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 · 23 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.