by our College Data Analytics Team
[Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 9 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value physics schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the physics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus earned the #1 spot for value among physics schools in Pennsylvania. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,356. Students borrow a median of $26,062 to complete the physics program here. Early-career physics graduates make about $103,672. That is a strong return on a $26,062 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #2 makes Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values for physics. Set in the town of Kutztown, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,206 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $26,867. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $39,028. That is a strong return on a $26,867 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Haverford College one of the best values for physics. Located in the suburb of Haverford, Haverford College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,398. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,966 ten years after entry. Haverford College admits about 12% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values for physics. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete the physics program here. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $74,352. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%.
Temple University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value physics schools. Temple University is a very large public school located in the city of Philadelphia. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Physics graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. Early-career physics graduates make about $54,642. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #6 for value in physics this year. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $24,958. Early-career physics graduates make about $56,926. Set against $24,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
Carnegie Mellon University placed #7 among the best values for physics. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $23,529. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $89,327. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 12%.
Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #8 for value in physics this year. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,644, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Students borrow a median of $23,830 to complete the physics program here. Physics graduates of Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earn a median of $73,567 early in their careers. Set against $23,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.
Drexel University landed the #9 spot for physics value this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. Physics graduates carry a median of $30,847 in student loans. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Drexel University generally make around $67,556. Set against $30,847 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drexel University admits about 79% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.