2021 Best Colleges for Physics

Approximately 13,871 physics degrees were granted to students last year in the United States. With so many choices it can be a daunting task finding the best choice. This year's Best Colleges for Physics ranking analyzed 28 colleges and universities that offer a bachelor's degree in physics. We look at over 20 factors to determine the top 4 schools for Physics students.

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Choosing a Great Physics School

The physics 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. When choosing a school we recommend considering some of the following factors:

A Great Overall School

A school that excels in educating for a particular major 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.

The lowest ranked school in our list is in the top 6% of our overall quality ranking while the vast majority are in at least the top 6%.

Overall Best Colleges Rank ( 102 to 24 )

Above Average Earnings After Graduation

A physics degree from colleges on this list typically results in higher than average wages following graduation. While the average physics bachelors degree from U.S. schools results in an average starting salary of $39,724, graduates of colleges on this list average $57,025.

Starting Salary ( 40570 to 70529 )

Other Factors We Consider

In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:

Major Focus - How much a school focuses on Physics students vs. other majors.

- How much a school focuses on Physics students vs. other majors. Major Popularity - How many other physics students choose this school.

- How many other physics students choose this school. Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or a recognized physics related accrediting body.

Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best schools for Physics students.

Best Schools to Study Physics in United States

Learn about the top ranked colleges and universities for physics majors.

Top 10 Best Physics Colleges

Physics by Region

View the Best Colleges for Physics for a specific region near you.

Rankings in Majors Related to Physics

Physics is one of 7 different types of Physical Sciences programs to choose from.

Majors Similar to Physics

View All Physics Related Majors >

Notes and References