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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Physics (Income $30-$48k) in the Southeast Region

30 Ranked Colleges
302 Degrees Awarded
$29,900 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k

With all of the options students have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our “Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.

Physics is the 67th most popular major in the country with 14,123 degrees awarded in 2019-2020. In 2017-2018, physics graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $42,475 and had an average of $22,421 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Southeast region, there were 2,160 physics graduates with average earnings and debt of $34,400 and $23,843 respectively. At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 302 physics graduates with average earnings and debt of $71,978 and $116,300 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking, we looked at 30 colleges that offer a degree in physics. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent physics programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the physics program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

More Ways to Rank Physics Schools

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k.

Top 25 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Physics (Income $30-$48k) in the Southeast Region

#1

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
#2 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Florida. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k. UF is a large public school situated in Gainesville, Florida. It awarded 16 doctorate’s physics degrees in 2019-2020.

UF also took the #2 spot in our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Florida are $30,130, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of Florida Physics Report

#2

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Vanderbilt University. It ranked #2 on our 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Nashville, Tennessee is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s physics degrees to 8 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Vanderbilt, the school also landed the #5 spot in our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Vanderbilt University are $50,624, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Vanderbilt University Physics Report

#3

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
#4 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a large school located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina that handed out 17 doctorate’s physics degrees in 2019-2020.

UNC Chapel Hill not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are $30,248.

Full University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Physics Report

#4

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
#7 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Wake Forest University. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 1 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s physics students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Wake Forest University, the school also landed the #7 spot in our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Wake Forest University are $39,216, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Wake Forest University Physics Report

#5

University of Virginia - Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia
#1 in overall quality

Out of the 30 schools in the Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Virginia - Main Campus landed the #5 spot on the list. This large school is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, and it awarded 9 doctorate’s physics degrees in 2019-2020.

University of Virginia also made our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #1. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Virginia - Main Campus are $32,394, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Physics at University of Virginia - Main Campus

#6

William & Mary

Williamsburg, Virginia
#14 in overall quality

William & Mary did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #6. Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, this medium-sized public school handed out 4 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s physics students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at William & Mary, the school also landed the #14 spot in our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at William & Mary are $34,800.

Read full report on Physics at William & Mary

#21 in overall quality

University of South Florida - Main Campus ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Tampa, Florida, this large public school handed out 12 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s physics students in 2019-2020.

USF Tampa also made our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #21. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of South Florida - Main Campus are $21,126, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Physics at USF Tampa

#8

North Carolina State University

Raleigh, North Carolina
#12 in overall quality

North Carolina State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #8. North Carolina State University is a large public school situated in Raleigh, North Carolina. It awarded 14 doctorate’s physics degrees in 2019-2020.

NC State also took the #12 spot in our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at NC State are $28,999.

Full NC State Physics Report

#9

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida

Florida State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #9. Florida State University is a large school located in Tallahassee, Florida that handed out 21 doctorate’s physics degrees in 2019-2020.

Florida State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #9 on our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida State University are $26,707, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Physics at Florida State University

#10

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida

With a ranking of #10, University of Central Florida did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of Central Florida is a large public school situated in Orlando, Florida. It awarded 9 doctorate’s physics degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Central Florida are $28,657.

Read full report on Physics at University of Central Florida

#11

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia
#7 in overall quality

With a ranking of #11, Emory University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Atlanta, Georgia is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s physics degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

Emory also took the #7 spot in our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Emory are $44,676, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Emory Physics Report

#8 in overall quality

Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Atlanta, Georgia, and it awarded 22 doctorate’s physics degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Georgia Tech, the school also landed the #8 spot in our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Georgia Tech are $31,334, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Physics at Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus

Florida International University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Florida International University is a large school located in Miami, Florida that handed out 1 doctorate’s physics degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Florida International University are $24,211.

Read more about Physics at FIU

#14

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida

Florida Atlantic University landed the #14 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Boca Raton, Florida, this large public school awarded 3 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s physics students in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at FAU are $18,482, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Physics at Florida Atlantic University

#15

West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia
#17 in overall quality

West Virginia University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #15. Morgantown, West Virginia is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s physics degrees to 9 students in 2019-2020.

WVU also took the #17 spot in our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at WVU are $26,154.

Read full report on Physics at West Virginia University

#16

University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia
#13 in overall quality

With a ranking of #16, University of Georgia did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. UGA is a large school located in Athens, Georgia that handed out 8 doctorate’s physics degrees in 2019-2020.

UGA did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #13 on our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UGA are $27,476.

Full University of Georgia Physics Report

#17

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia
#3 in overall quality

Virginia Tech ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, Virginia and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 16 doctorate’s physics degrees to qualified students.

Virginia Tech not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #3 on our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Virginia Tech are $30,547, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Virginia Tech Physics Report

#6 in overall quality

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College landed the #18 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this large public school awarded 22 degrees to qualified doctorate’s physics students in 2019-2020.

Louisiana State University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Louisiana State University are $29,970.

Read more about Physics at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

#19

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
#25 in overall quality

University of North Carolina at Charlotte landed the #19 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, this large public school handed out 4 degrees to qualified doctorate’s physics students in 2019-2020.

UNC Charlotte did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #25 on our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of North Carolina at Charlotte are $21,055, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full UNC Charlotte Physics Report

#15 in overall quality

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #20. Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, this large public school awarded 19 degrees to qualified doctorate’s physics students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree physics students whose families make $30-$48k list, UT Knoxville has also earned the #15 rank in our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UT Knoxville are $31,798, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Physics at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#24 in overall quality

University of Alabama at Birmingham did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #21. Located in Birmingham, Alabama, this large public school awarded 6 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s physics students in 2019-2020.

UAB also took the #24 spot in our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UAB are $19,188.

Read full report on Physics at University of Alabama at Birmingham

#22

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia
#19 in overall quality

George Mason University came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. George Mason University is a large school located in Fairfax, Virginia that handed out 7 doctorate’s physics degrees in 2019-2020.

GMU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #19 on our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at GMU are $37,410, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full George Mason University Physics Report

#23

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas
#23 in overall quality

University of Arkansas landed the #23 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Fayetteville, Arkansas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s physics degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

UARK also took the #23 spot in our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Arkansas are $22,121, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of Arkansas Physics Report

#24

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
#10 in overall quality

Clemson University landed the #24 spot on the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This large school is located in Clemson, South Carolina, and it awarded 11 doctorate’s physics degrees in 2019-2020.

Clemson also took the #10 spot in our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Clemson University are $23,246, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Clemson University Physics Report

#25

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
#18 in overall quality

University of South Carolina - Columbia did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Physics Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #25. UofSC is a large public school situated in Columbia, South Carolina. It awarded 2 doctorate’s physics degrees in 2019-2020.

UofSC also took the #18 spot in our “Best Physics Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of South Carolina - Columbia are $30,160, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Physics at UofSC

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Notes and References

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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