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. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying physics schools.
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Below are the schools whose physics graduates go on to earn the most.
Leading the list is Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, our #1 for physics graduate salaries in the New England Region. Set in the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career physics graduates from Massachusetts Institute Of Technology make a median of around $126,258 per year.
Strong graduate earnings at Northeastern University earned it the #2 place for physics. Set in the city of Boston, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Physics graduates of Northeastern University earn a median of about $49,399 a year early in their careers.
University Of Massachusetts Lowell came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying physics schools. University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public school located in the suburb of Lowell. Physics graduates of University Of Massachusetts Lowell earn a median of about $48,324 a year early in their careers.
University Of Connecticut produces some of the highest-paid graduates in physics, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Early-career physics graduates from University Of Connecticut make a median of around $32,341 per year.
This list is compiled 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.