by our College Data Analytics Team
[Physics](/majors/physical-sciences/physics/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. The schools below stand out for the salaries their physics graduates go on to command.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying physics schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose physics graduates go on to earn the most.
Rutgers University New Brunswick earned the #1 spot for highest-paid physics graduates in New Jersey. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Early-career physics graduates from Rutgers University New Brunswick make a median of around $87,968 per year.
A rank of #2 makes Rutgers University Newark one of the highest-paying schools for physics. Rutgers University Newark is a public school located in the city of Newark. Physics graduates of Rutgers University Newark earn a median of about $87,968 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in physics will find them at Rowan University, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a public institution. After graduating, physics degree recipients from Rowan University typically earn about $84,651 annually.
Montclair State University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in physics, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Montclair, Montclair State University is a public institution. After graduating, physics degree recipients from Montclair State University typically earn about $39,740 annually.
This ranking is produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology measures the salaries physics graduates go on to earn early in their careers, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 4 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.