2026 Best Value Physics Schools in Washington

1

University Of Washington Bothell Campus
Bothell, WA

Our analysis ranked University Of Washington Bothell Campus the best value for a degree in physics in Washington. Located in the suburb of Bothell, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,919, compared with $43,155 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $17,113. 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
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physics, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,113 to complete the physics program here. Early-career physics graduates make about $41,474. That is a strong return on a $17,113 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.

3

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

Washington State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value physics schools. Set in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Physics graduates carry a median of $21,903 in student loans. Early-career physics graduates make about $54,697. Set against $21,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.

4

Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA

Students looking for strong value in physics will find it at Western Washington University, which ranked #4. Western Washington University is a large public school located in the city of Bellingham. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. Students borrow a median of $20,361 to complete the physics program here. Early-career physics graduates make about $41,118. Set against $20,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

5

Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA

Students looking for strong value in physics will find it at Central Washington University, which ranked #5. Located in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $21,988. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Central Washington University generally make around $44,178. That is a strong return on a $21,988 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

6

Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA

Pacific Lutheran University placed #6 among the best values for physics. Located in the suburb of Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $50,916 in tuition and fees. Physics graduates carry a median of $23,667 in student loans. Physics graduates of Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of $49,181 early in their careers. Set against $23,667 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.