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2026 Best Value Theoretical & Mathematical Physics Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in theoretical & mathematical physics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Theoretical & Mathematical Physics Schools
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. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $25,687 to complete the theoretical & mathematical physics program here. Early-career theoretical & mathematical physics graduates make about $52,123. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
University At Buffalo is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theoretical & mathematical physics, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Buffalo, University At Buffalo is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,232 to complete the theoretical & mathematical physics program here. Soon after graduation, theoretical & mathematical physics degree recipients from University At Buffalo generally make around $52,403. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants.
Brown University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in theoretical & mathematical physics, landing the #3 spot this year. Brown University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Providence. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. Students borrow a median of $13,025 to complete the theoretical & mathematical physics program here. Theoretical & Mathematical Physics graduates of Brown University earn a median of $62,820 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brown University admits about 5% of applicants.
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value theoretical & mathematical physics schools. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete the theoretical & mathematical physics program here. Early-career theoretical & mathematical physics graduates make about $89,327. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%.
Students looking for strong value in theoretical & mathematical physics will find it at Harvey Mudd College, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of Claremont, Harvey Mudd College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,613. Students borrow a median of $22,730 to complete the theoretical & mathematical physics program here. 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.
ADBLOCK #101
Loyola University Chicago earned the #6 position for value in theoretical & mathematical physics this year. Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete the theoretical & mathematical physics program here. Theoretical & Mathematical Physics graduates of Loyola University Chicago earn a median of $58,568 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Case Western Reserve University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value theoretical & mathematical physics schools. Set in the city of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $66,608. Students borrow a median of $25,292 to complete the theoretical & mathematical physics program here. Soon after graduation, theoretical & mathematical physics degree recipients from Case Western Reserve University generally make around $74,459. That is a strong return on a $25,292 median debt. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.
Other Theoretical & Mathematical Physics Degree Levels
Explore the best-value theoretical & mathematical physics schools at other degree levels:
[Theoretical & Mathematical Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/theoretical-and-mathematical-physics/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong theoretical & mathematical physics education at a price that pays off.
