by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual reviewed 35 schools in the Far Western US Region to determine which ones were the best for bachelor's degree seekers in the field of physics. Combined, these schools handed out 1,713 bachelor's degrees in physics to qualified students.
Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology
The physics bachelor's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. Important measures of a quality physics program can vary widely even among the top schools. Below we explain some of the most important factors to consider before making your choice:
A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.
Average early-career salary of those graduating with their bachelor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. After all, your bachelor's degree won't mean much if it doesn't help you find a job that will help you earn a living.
In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:
Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for physics students working on their bachelor's degree.
Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Physics Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.
To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.
The following list ranks the best colleges and universities for pursuing a bachelor's degree in physics.
Stanford University is a wonderful option for students interested in a bachelor's degree in physics. Stanford is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Stanford.More information about a bachelor’s in physics from Stanford University
University of California - Los Angeles is one of the best schools in the country for getting a bachelor's degree in physics. Located in the city of Los Angeles, UCLA is a public university with a very large student population.
Bachelor's recipients from the physics program at University of California - Los Angeles make $5,530 more than the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.
More information about a bachelor’s in physics from University of California - Los Angeles
Any student who is interested in a bachelor's degree in physics has to look into University of California - Berkeley. UC Berkeley is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Berkeley.
Physics bachelor's degree recipients from University of California - Berkeley earn a boost of about $6,542 over the average earnings of physics majors.
More information about a bachelor’s in physics from University of California - Berkeley
University of California - San Diego is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a bachelor's degree in physics. UCSD is a very large public university located in the city of La Jolla.
Physics bachelor's degree recipients from University of California - San Diego receive an earnings boost of around $4,189 over the average income of physics graduates.
More information about a bachelor’s in physics from University of California - San Diego
Located in the midsize suburb of Santa Barbara, UCSB is a public university with a fairly large student population.
Bachelor's recipients from the physics program at University of California - Santa Barbara earn $12,528 above the typical college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.
More information about a bachelor’s in physics from University of California - Santa Barbara
UC Irvine is a very large public university located in the large city of Irvine.
Soon after graduation, physics bachelor's recipients generally make an average of $33,381 in the first five years of their career.
More information about a bachelor’s in physics from University of California - Irvine
Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a very large student population.
Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the physics program earn about $38,470 in their early career salary.
More information about a bachelor’s in physics from University of Washington - Seattle Campus
Caltech is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pasadena.More information about a bachelor’s in physics from California Institute of Technology
Located in the small suburb of Davis, UC Davis is a public university with a very large student population.
Bachelor's graduates who receive their degree from the physics program make about $25,226 in the first couple years of working.
More information about a bachelor’s in physics from University of California - Davis
UC Santa Cruz is a large public university located in the small city of Santa Cruz.
Soon after graduation, physics bachelor's recipients generally make about $36,552 in their early careers.
More information about a bachelor’s in physics from University of California - Santa CruzExplore the best physics schools for a specific state in the Far Western US Region .
| State | Colleges | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| California | 262 | 1,225 |
| Washington | 226 | 318 |
| Oregon | 185 | 123 |
| Nevada | 129 | 37 |
| Hawaii | 112 | 7 |
| Alaska | 75 | 3 |
Physics is one of 8 different types of Physical Sciences programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Physics | 1,616 |
| Other Physics | 92 |
| Theoretical & Mathematical Physics | 4 |
| Atomic/Molecular Physics | 1 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 2,346 |
| Geological & Earth Sciences | 1,034 |
| Astronomy & Astrophysics | 234 |
| Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology | 77 |
| Materials Sciences | 41 |
| General Physical Sciences | 33 |
| Other Physical Science | 14 |
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