2026 Best Physics Schools in Tennessee

Physics programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 20 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best physics schools.

What’s on this page:

• Best Physics Schools in Tennessee

Best Schools for Physics in Tennessee

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall physics education in Tennessee.

Top Schools in Physics

1

The University Of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

34 Physics Degrees Awarded

$49,826 Median Starting Salary

The University Of Tennessee is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in physics. The University Of Tennessee is a very large public school located in the city of Knoxville. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. The University Of Tennessee awarded about 34 physics degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their physics degree from The University Of Tennessee earn around $49,826 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,344 to complete this degree. Read more about the physics program at The University Of Tennessee

2

Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

11 Physics Degrees Awarded

$43,575 Median Starting Salary

Middle Tennessee State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best physics schools. Set in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public institution. Middle Tennessee State University graduates 54% of students within six years. About 11 physics degrees were awarded at Middle Tennessee State University in the most recent year. Physics graduates of Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of $43,575 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $22,754. Read more about the physics program at Middle Tennessee State University

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 20 schools evaluated.

• 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.