2026 Best Value Physics Schools in Alabama
[Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find the best return on investment for physics students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Physics Schools in Alabama
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the physics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Physics Schools
Leading the list is University Of Alabama At Huntsville, our #1 best value for physics in Alabama. Located in the city of Huntsville, University Of Alabama At Huntsville is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,132, compared with $26,408 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,797 to complete the physics program here. Physics graduates of University Of Alabama At Huntsville earn a median of $62,903 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,797 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
Auburn University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value physics schools. Located in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Students borrow a median of $22,803 to complete the physics program here. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Auburn University generally make around $55,422. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.
View All Physics Rankings >
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
- 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).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
