2026 Best Value Theoretical & Mathematical Physics Schools

1

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington earned the #1 spot for value among theoretical & mathematical physics schools in the United States. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Theoretical & Mathematical Physics graduates carry a median of $25,687 in student loans. Theoretical & Mathematical Physics graduates of Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of $52,123 early in their careers. Set against $25,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

2

University At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY

A rank of #2 makes University At Buffalo one of the best values for theoretical & mathematical physics. University At Buffalo is a very large public school located in the suburb of Buffalo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for theoretical & mathematical physics graduates is $22,232. Early-career theoretical & mathematical physics graduates make about $52,403. That is a strong return on a $22,232 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

3

Brown University
Providence, RI

Brown University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value theoretical & mathematical physics schools. Located in the city of Providence, Brown University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $71,312. Students borrow a median of $13,025 to complete the theoretical & mathematical physics program here. Soon after graduation, theoretical & mathematical physics degree recipients from Brown University generally make around $62,820. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%.

4

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theoretical & mathematical physics, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete the theoretical & mathematical physics program here. Soon after graduation, theoretical & mathematical physics degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus generally make around $56,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

5

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value theoretical & mathematical physics schools. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for theoretical & mathematical physics graduates is $23,529. Theoretical & Mathematical Physics graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $89,327 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.

6

Harvey Mudd College
Claremont, CA

Harvey Mudd College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value theoretical & mathematical physics schools. Located in the suburb of Claremont, Harvey Mudd College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,613. Theoretical & Mathematical Physics graduates carry a median of $22,730 in student loans. Early-career theoretical & mathematical physics graduates make about $130,443. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harvey Mudd College admits about 13% of applicants.

7

Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL

Loyola University Chicago placed #7 among the best values for theoretical & mathematical physics. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Typical student debt for theoretical & mathematical physics graduates is $24,250. Theoretical & Mathematical Physics graduates of Loyola University Chicago earn a median of $58,568 early in their careers. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

8

Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value theoretical & mathematical physics schools. Located in the city of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $66,608 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,292 to complete the theoretical & mathematical physics program here. Theoretical & Mathematical Physics graduates of Case Western Reserve University earn a median of $74,459 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,292 median debt. Case Western Reserve University admits about 36% of applicants.