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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Physics Schools in Washington

7 Colleges in the United States
215 Physics Degrees Awarded
$45,353 Avg Early-Career Salary

Physics is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 14 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for physics students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Physics in Washington

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall physics education in Washington.

Top Schools in Physics

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Washington Seattle Campus the best school in the country for a degree in physics. This very large public university is located in the city of Seattle. About 85% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 126 physics students who graduated with this degree at University Of Washington Seattle Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $41,474. University Of Washington Seattle Campus graduates carry a median of $17,113 in student loans. See the full physics program report for University Of Washington Seattle Campus

2

Western Washington University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in physics, landing the #2 spot this year. This large public university is located in the city of Bellingham. Western Washington University graduates 65% of students within six years. There were roughly 18 physics students who graduated with this degree at Western Washington University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physics degree from Western Washington University earn around $41,118 in the first couple years of their career. Western Washington University graduates carry a median of $20,361 in student loans. More information about a degree in physics from Western Washington University

3

A rank of #3 makes University Of Washington Bothell Campus one of the top schools for physics. University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Bothell. About 65% of students finish within six years. University Of Washington Bothell Campus awarded about 12 physics degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physics degree from University Of Washington Bothell Campus earn around $41,474 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Washington Bothell Campus graduates carry a median of $17,113 in student loans. See the full physics program report for University Of Washington Bothell Campus

4

Students looking for a strong physics program will find one at Washington State University, which ranked #4. Set in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. About 30 physics degrees were awarded at Washington State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the physics program make about $54,697 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete this degree. Get the full physics details for Washington State University

5

Students looking for a strong physics program will find one at Pacific Lutheran University, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. About 13 physics degrees were awarded at Pacific Lutheran University in the most recent year. Graduates of the physics program make about $49,181 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,667 to complete this degree. See the full physics program report for Pacific Lutheran University

6

Central Washington University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best physics schools. Located in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public university. About 54% of students finish within six years. About 16 physics degrees were awarded at Central Washington University in the most recent year. Graduates of the physics program make about $44,178 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,988. See the full physics program report for Central Washington University

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 14 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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