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.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 4 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for physics students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in physics, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in physics, no school beat Arizona Western College this year. Arizona Western College is a large public school located in the city of Yuma. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,060, with out-of-state students paying around $9,870. Early-career physics graduates make about $44,895.
A rank of #2 makes Arizona State University one of the best values for physics. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Physics graduates carry a median of $24,700 in student loans. Physics graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $30,503 early in their careers. Set against $24,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Arizona earned it the #3 place for physics. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Typical student debt for physics graduates is $20,650. Soon after graduation, physics degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $107,496. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott one of the best values for physics. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Prescott. Students from in state pay about $43,974 in tuition and fees. Physics graduates carry a median of $24,288 in student loans. Early-career physics graduates make about $66,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.