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2026 Best Value General Physics Schools in Washington

6 Colleges in the United States
$20,357 Avg Student Debt
$69,496 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Physics Badge [General Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/general-physics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 14 schools to find the best return on investment for general physics students.

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2026 Best Value General Physics Schools in Washington

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general physics, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value General Physics Schools

1

For return on investment in general physics, no school beat University Of Washington Bothell Campus this year. Located in the suburb of Bothell, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,919 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,155 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general physics graduates is $17,113. General Physics graduates of University Of Washington Bothell Campus earn a median of $41,474 early in their careers. Set against $17,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Bothell Campus admits about 91% of applicants.

2

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general physics schools. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general physics graduates is $17,113. Soon after graduation, general physics degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $41,474. That is a strong return on a $17,113 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%.

3

Washington State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general physics, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. General Physics graduates carry a median of $21,903 in student loans. Early-career general physics graduates make about $54,697. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

4

Western Washington University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general physics schools. Western Washington University is a large public school located in the city of Bellingham. In-state tuition and fees average $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,361 to complete the general physics program here. Soon after graduation, general physics degree recipients from Western Washington University generally make around $41,118. Set against $20,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

5

Students looking for strong value in general physics will find it at Central Washington University, which ranked #5. Central Washington University is a very large public school located in the town of Ellensburg. Students from in state pay about $9,417 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general physics graduates is $21,988. Early-career general physics graduates make about $44,178. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

6

Pacific Lutheran University landed the #6 spot for general physics value this year. Pacific Lutheran University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Tacoma. Students from in state pay about $50,916 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general physics graduates is $23,667. Early-career general physics graduates make about $49,181. That is a strong return on a $23,667 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 14 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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