2027 Best Value Physics Schools in Virginia
[Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 7 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value physics schools.
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2027 Best Value Physics Schools in Virginia
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
Our analysis ranked George Mason University the best value for a degree in physics in Virginia. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $23,529. Physics graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $63,131 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,529 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Students looking for strong value in physics will find it at College Of William And Mary, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Williamsburg, College Of William And Mary is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $25,734 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $20,000. Early-career physics graduates make about $53,338. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Roughly 34% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Virginia Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in physics, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Charlottesville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Physics graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. Early-career physics graduates make about $69,126. Set against $18,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted.
James Madison University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value physics schools. James Madison University is a very large public school located in the city of Harrisonburg. Students from in state pay about $13,966 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,218 to complete the physics program here. Early-career physics graduates make about $52,997. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Virginia Commonwealth University one of the best values for physics. Set in the city of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,720 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Physics graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Early-career physics graduates make about $39,804. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #6 for value in physics this year. Set in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Physics graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career physics graduates make about $58,061. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants.
Liberty University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value physics schools. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $27,414. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from Liberty University generally make around $45,877. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 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.
