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2020 Best Colleges for Physics in AmericaAbout this List

The Best Colleges for Physics ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The ranking compares the top physics programs in the U.S. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 619 reviews
    #1 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Junior: MIT is an outstanding university with numerous and diverse opportunities in research and academics. Classes at MIT are indeed difficult, with homework and associated studying consuming a large chunk of time. The beauty of this is that it pushes students to go above and beyond their previous understanding of what they believed themselves to be capable of. Additionally, the explorative and creative atmosphere which springs from the vibrancy of the student body and the faculty is second to none. There are so many chances to do great things at MIT, even as an undergrad!
    Read 619 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,230 Net Price
    • 1490-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  2. California Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 118 reviews
    #2 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Niche User: I loved visiting caltech! I loved the campus, it was so beautiful. The houses each had their own personality, and cool traditions! I got to play tennis on the courts there and stay with some other girls in the houses themselves. We staying in flemming house and spent a lot of time in the common room! We also were able to tour the academic facilities and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is associated with Caltech and it was truly inspiring to see. We were given the opportunity to see current projects in JPL like the 2020 mars rover! I cannot wait to apply!
    Read 118 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,466 Net Price
    • 1530-1590 SAT Range
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  3. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 714 reviews
    #3 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: Harvard is incredible! The campus is vibrant and there are always tourists. It is especially busy during fall because the foliage is beautiful. The professors are very knowledgeable. Most write their own textbooks, so they truly know what they are teaching. The students are also great; they are intellectual, fun, and laidback. It is a great experience studying here!
    Read 714 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,030 Net Price
    • 1460-1590 SAT Range
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  4. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 981 reviews
    #4 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Senior: Great college! They say the more options you have the more regrets you'll have, and that has been true of my Yale experience. While I do not regret doing the things I did do, I do wish I had more than 24 hours in a day so I could do even more! There is so much to do in terms of career development, extra-curriculars, and just entertainment in general. There are so many classes to choose from and most of the professors are incredible not just as professors, but as people in general. If I could redo college I would definitely choose Yale again!
    Read 981 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,053 Net Price
    • 1460-1580 SAT Range
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  5. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,164 reviews
    #5 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: Stanford's motto, "The wind of freedom blows," seems to permeate through all classroom walls, dorm rooms, and dining halls as students at this school are passionate, diligent, and lively. There is definitely a culture distinct to Stanford University, one which embodies free-spirited, unbounded learning. Aside from academics, though, I'd have to say that what makes Stanford unique is its people. Times when I've felt inspired, moved, and at home, were in moments I shared with others in discussions or conversations, whether it was academic or truly frivolous.
    Read 1,164 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,562 Net Price
    • 1390-1540 SAT Range
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  6. Princeton University

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 425 reviews
    #6 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Niche User: I greatly enjoy the overall ambience of Princeton University. The University truly offers a high quality education, especially as a result of its wonderful professors, some of which are Nobel Laureates. Moreover, the University's network allows for extensive connection between current and graduated students. This leads to great opportunities that would not necessarily be available elsewhere. Lastly, I really believe the Bridge Year program instills a humble nature in students through introducing the opportunity to volunteer for a year abroad. Doing so allows students to mature and experience other cultures prior to embarking on a difficult, yet rewarding task of attending Princeton University.
    Read 425 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,302 Net Price
    • 1430-1570 SAT Range
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  7. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,169 reviews
    #7 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Sophomore: The University of Chicago has an incredibly welcoming and yet challenging atmosphere that is unlike any other. The Core Curriculum introduces truly applicable frameworks for critical thinking that can the applied in a diverse curriculum. At UChicago you can attend your Physics lecture in the morning, work on your film project until you participate in a religious discussion in the afternoon and rehearse with your traditional African music group in the evening. In spite of the lack of affordability, UChicago does offer various ways of financing, including generous financial aid and merit-based scholarships. However, Uchicago is not need bling to international applicants, which is likely to discourage low-income international students to apply.
    Read 1,169 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,834 Net Price
    • 1480-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  8. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,189 reviews
    #8 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: Columbia is a culturally rich and diverse school with a beautiful campus in one of the most influential cities in the world. The endless amount of opportunities provided here can be overwhelming! There is a place for everyone on this campus, with clubs, sports, and other organizations for every individual.
    Read 1,189 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,824 Net Price
    • 1410-1570 SAT Range
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  9. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,865 reviews
    #9 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Sophomore: Cornell is an amazing blend of people from various cultures who have come to one place for the purpose of pursing an education. I come from a very small town in Maryland. Coming to Cornell has allowed me to experience different cultures in lots of new ways. However, I believe that Cornell could work on accepting people not only from diverse backgrounds, but also from various socioeconomic statuses. I am middle class. My father is a principle of and I am grateful to have a well-supported family. Many Cornell students are in top-earning families. Currently, I am taking a class called “Controversies About Inequality.” I have learned that Cornell accepts more students from the top 1% than they are from the bottom 1%, and this cycle continues. I would like to point out that Cornell is very aware of this issue and is taking steps towards leveling the playing field for both high and low income students. And the food is absolutely amazing here, so that’s a huge plus!
    Read 1,865 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,449 Net Price
    • 1390-1550 SAT Range
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  12. Harvey Mudd College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 136 reviews
    #10 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Alum: Attending Harvey Mudd College was a humbling experience. I was able to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics with peers who were similarly passionate. There are boundless opportunities to take courses both on campus or at any of the four other undergraduate Claremont Colleges that are all within a 1-mile radius, just a short walk or quick bike-ride away. I had the opportunity to pursue summer research projects and engage in a thesis project during my senior year. The campus encourages students to present their research across the nation at various conferences. It’s not uncommon for the department sponsoring your research project to also sponsor your attendance at research conferences including paying for hotel, airfare, and a food stipend! Last but most definitely not least, the advisors are passionate about your success and meet with students frequently. I personally met with my advisor on a weekly basis. I am grateful for this amazing undergraduate institution!
    Read 136 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $38,135 Net Price
    • 1470-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  13. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,088 reviews
    #11 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Sophomore: Duke is a great place to come for vast opportunities, career exploration, professional development and more. You can literally try anything here! It's so flexible. Campus is beautiful, the food options are plentiful, and research experiences are readily available. The academic advising here is amazing as well.
    Read 1,088 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,011 Net Price
    • 1380-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  14. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,205 reviews
    #12 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Sophomore: A true research institution, the University of Pennsylvania encourages all of its students to be curious about the world. Fund their research, it provides once in a lifetime opportunities with access to remarkable faculty, an international reach, and trail blazing peers. As a member of the Ivy League, it connects its study body to similar-minded students in a culture of alma matter pride, playful rivalry, and inter-school dependent programming. Whether it be an Ivy League conference on LatinX heritage, political science, or veganism, the University of Pennsylvania encourages curiosity at every seam of the institution’s fabric.
    Read 1,205 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,539 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  15. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,969 reviews
    #13 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: I am currently an out of state freshman at Berkeley over halfway through my second semester. I was wary of having high expectations of Berkeley and buying into the cultivated image of perfect inclusion, challenging and inspiring intellectualism, and care for social justice/activism. Even though I tried to manage my expectations, they were disappointed. THAT BEING SAID, I'm glad I am a student at Berkeley. It is the best and the worst, wonderful and terrible, and for me, that feels like a fairly accurate representation of how the world is today. If you would describe yourself as an idealistic person, yes, come to Berkeley! But be prepared to hold onto your values tightly.
    Read 3,969 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,178 Net Price
    • 1260-1480 SAT Range
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  16. Bowdoin College

    • 4 Year
    • Brunswick, ME
    • 681 reviews
    #14 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: The moment I stepped on Bowdoin's campus, I knew that it was going to be my home for the next four years. I am confident that I chose the right school for me. I feel like I'm flourishing in terms of my social and academic life; things are just happening for me here. My professors are wonderful, there's such a tight-knit community, and the people here are so nice. Bowdoin just cares about me!
    Read 681 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,447 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  17. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 4,135 reviews
    #15 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Junior: Overall, the University of Michigan is a very strong academic choice. Professors generally care about their students and wish to see them succeed and departmental advisors are incredibly helpful in finding the right classes for you. Once you get past intro level classes, the material and class sizes become much more enjoyable. The dorms are hit-and-miss with some having air conditioning and are newly renovated while some are very clearly in need of improvement. Their ability to handle transfer students is lacking, though, and the general advisors are not well-equipped to handle transfer cases.
    Like any university, there many different types of people. Some are irritating, some are lovely. It is just a matter of seeking out those who you want to make friends with, they are definitely out there and most everyone you meet will be very nice along the way!
    Read 4,135 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,408 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  18. Johns Hopkins University

    • 4 Year
    • Baltimore, MD
    • 1,274 reviews
    #16 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Junior: Yes, Hopkins is stressful (yay stress culture) and yes, it has its issues. However, I feel as thought Hopkins truly excelled in the areas that matter to me. I feel like there are genuinely some many different types of people that making friends shouldn't be hard for everyone, that professors are helpful and willing to work with you, and that there is plenty of research!
    The real key to success here, as in any other school, is to do your work early, reach out to teachers and TAs and chill out!
    At Hopkins your experience is truly what you make it.
    Read 1,274 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,066 Net Price
    • 1450-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  19. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,990 reviews
    #17 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Junior: Campus couldn't be more beautiful. Many spots to study, relax, enjoy the sights, etc. Dorms are pretty standard. Fairly easy to transfer rooms if a problem arises with your roommate(s). Professors are generally helpful and generous with their knowledge. Department heads tend to be very considerate and work with you to complete your educational plans. Honors Program counselors are encouraging and friendly. Many different resources available for things like study abroad and academic planning. So many clubs to join. Very likely to find things that satisfy your interests. Plenty of things to do in Westwood. Strong campus safety department. Social scene is lively. Division I sports rarely disappoint. All in all, amazing experience!
    Read 4,990 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,760 Net Price
    • 1220-1450 SAT Range
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  22. Haverford College

    • 4 Year
    • Haverford, PA
    • 214 reviews
    #18 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Niche User: I absolutely loved the atmosphere of the campus. The students all looked hard-working but stress-free. I appreciated the close-knit community of the school compared to prestigious schools in the city, yet there was still movement and multiple different things to do to have "fun" off and around campus. Haverford is my dream school!
    Read 214 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 20% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,582 Net Price
    • 1390-1530 SAT Range
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  23. Carnegie Mellon University

    • 4 Year
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 1,373 reviews
    #19 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: Carnegie Mellon is a great private institution. In the major that I am in, you can really tell that the professors care about your education as much as you do. Diversity is an issue, as there are few Latinx and African American students and many, many Asian and Caucasian students. Athletics are not really a priority at this school because everyone puts their academics as their first priority. Everyone at this university takes their work very seriously. Those that don't are the ones who don't perform well. The facilities are great, and so are the people. You really won't regret coming here. Your experience is what you put into it, so work hard and play even harder when you get the chance.
    Read 1,373 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,817 Net Price
    • 1430-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  24. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,289 reviews
    #20 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: The thing that stood out to me about the University of Notre Dame was my professors! They have all been willing to go the extra mile in order to teach, be it holding long office hours and staying later or staying back long after class has ended, especially before exams. Their passion not only for the subject but for our education really helped me through some tough courses. Furthermore, the community is excellent. Notre Dame is truly a family, and dorm communities are very distinct and strong. Each dorm has its own mascots and colors and become a part of a person's identity. It is similar to Greek life but without the negatives of rushing and hazing. Everybody is very kind and inclusive.
    Read 1,289 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 19% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,453 Net Price
    • 1370-1520 SAT Range
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  25. Georgia Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,989 reviews
    #21 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: Georgia Tech is a great school. At the same time though, it is very challenging. It is in a great area (Midtown Atlanta) and also has a great return as the average salary out of Tech is around 70k. There are many opportunities on campus for students to get experience and help with getting internships, co-ops, and jobs. The only thing I wish Tech would improve on is its food as it is very average and could be way better, considering how high tuition is. Also, I think that more attention to mental and student health should be emphasized as well. Overall, I do enjoy Georgia Tech. Know what you are getting yourself into though!
    Read 1,989 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 23% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,873 Net Price
    • 1090-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  26. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 485 reviews
    #22 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Sophomore: Carleton has wonderful faculty and their selling point would definitely be the academics. Carleton is also very generous with giving financial aid to students, which has helped me tremendously. Although it is secluded in a small town, I find this to be very good for my safety (honestly, you'll probably be too busy being on campus to even want to go to the cities). I think the dorms are above average for a lot of colleges in America. I've visited many, and Carleton's "worst dorm" (which I lived in) was very nice. Overall, great school! Can't wait to finish my degree.
    Read 485 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 21% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,148 Net Price
    • 1360-1530 SAT Range
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  29. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 6,006 reviews
    #23 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Sophomore: Wonderful, engaged, and passionate professors separate this school from the rest! The workload is challenging at times but encourages young people to truly dive into their studies and gain a greater understanding of the subjects they learn instead of memorizing the material short-term for tests and then losing the knowledge soon after! The resources that the university provides are bountiful and purposeful. The location of campus is in the heart of Texas and surrounded by lots to see, do, and experience. The vast majority of people are warm and caring. Efforts made on campus and off to ensure the safety and prosperity of UT's students are evident and there are good feelings all around!
    Read 6,006 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,356 Net Price
    • 1220-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  30. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,354 reviews
    #24 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Niche User: I have been to the Evanston campus once, but in that visit I was astounded by the various opportunities offered by the university. Every program, whether that be the musical program, theater, biology, medicine, or integrated science, was fleshed out to a point of great immersion and understanding. Not to mention that there was an overall atmosphere of learning and curiosity. Highly recommend!
    Read 1,354 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,099 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
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  31. University of Virginia

    • 4 Year
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • 2,165 reviews
    #25 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: UVA is a wonderful place to find your college home! Nowhere is perfect, but, coming from someone who was determined to not go to Virginia (I didn't want to go to my state's big school), I have found so many incredible opportunities and can't imagine myself any where else. It is academically rigorous, there are many resources to take advantage of, and it's diverse. You are bound to find your passion and your people at UVA.
    Read 2,165 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,594 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
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    Bryn Mawr College

    • 4 Year
    • Bryn Mawr, PA
    • 417 reviews

    Sophomore: I like the small class sizes that Bryn Mawr provides. Students are able to get to know each other within the class setting, as well as the ability for the professor to know each student. Bryn Mawr is an inclusive setting, where our social honor code fosters trust within the community such that creativity and diversity is always welcomed. In the future, I would like to see Bryn Mawr allow more opportunities for students to explore the greater Philadelphia area within the structure of a class, instead of strictly lecture based classes for the entire semester. In addition, Bryn Mawr needs air conditioning in ALL of the dorms! It is brutally hot in the warmer months of the year, especially on the upper floors of the dorms.
    Read 417 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 38% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,450 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
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    Roanoke College

    • 4 Year
    • Salem, VA
    • 707 reviews

    Sophomore: I love Roanoke College! I didn't ever expect to go here and it sort of just happened. It was originally my backup school, but I loved it so much and everything fell into place. The size of the college is wonderful-- you'll never have a professor who doesn't know who you are. It's big enough that you see new people every day, and small enough that you'll wave hi to at least one person you know walking across campus. The environment is welcoming, and campus safety does a great job in their dealings with students and with the more serious issues that occur on all college campuses. Academics at Roanoke are no joke! Don't expect to come here and not do any work... the low retention rate is because of freshman who either drop out mid-year or they don't come back for sophomore year. But don't let that scare you-- if you find something that you love to do, that studying and work all ties together and the payoff is amazing!
    Read 707 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,573 Net Price
    • 1040-1230 SAT Range
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    Millersville University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Millersville, PA
    • 1,396 reviews

    Alum: I am an alumni (Class of 2016) and would recommend this institution to anyone looking for a small-town, cozy college experience. Millersville has a few niche majors like Ocean Sciences, Occupational Safety, & Meteorology. These majors definitely brought students in from across the nation and offered strong career opportunities.

    Overall, I enjoyed my professors. I graduated with a Sociology degree with a Criminology concentration and minored in both Spanish and Athletic Coaching. I found all of my departments staff, with the exception of a couple, to be caring and helpful!

    There were multiple on-campus jobs and the size of the institution allowed for multiple avenues to get involved. Partying was not very prevalent unless you looked for the party scene. Regardless of individual involvements, I found all students to be welcoming and inviting!
    Read 1,396 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,731 Net Price
    • 970-1160 SAT Range
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