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2019 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
    • 599
    1 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Niche User: There were some crucial facts about MIT which made me to apply to it. Here are they:
    1. My first choice is chemical engineering and I always adored to conduct researches in laboratories. Therefore, when I applied to colleges first of all I looked if they have a good undergraduate research opportunities. In MIT with the help UROP I could start researching even from freshman class.
    2. Its pass no record style of educating freshmen. There is no grading in the first semester. Instead, one gets "Pass" or "Fail" in his or her transcript. It allows students not to stress too much on grades, but explore the university and majors.
    3. Of course it is the best university in the field of chemical engineering. Top notch professors, smart peers and the best laboratories makes MIT unique.
    4. It's financially available for all international students. MIT's need blind policy makes it affordable for all who want to attend it.

    I hope it helps!
    Read 599 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,576 Net Price
    • 1460-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. California Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 108
    2 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Alum: If you like science and tech, this is the place to go. Small school makes professors, research, work study, and other opportunities more available. You learn to work with others to get through the academics which are tough, but you ultimately come out with a great sense of accomplishment. It is not the right school for everyone but if you want to major in science or engineering, it would be hard to find a better place.
    Read 108 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,839 Net Price
    • 1510-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 664
    3 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Alum: Harvard University offers the most incredible experience for its students. From the rich history to the esteemed faculty to the vibrant atmosphere of Harvard Square, it is truly one of a kind and inspiring. During my time at Harvard, I got to dance to Gangnam Style with Psy, read a Gutenberg Bible, study and work under my hero, perform fMRIs, and eat brunch in what is essentially the Great Hall of Hogwarts. I cannot begin to tell you the opportunities available here nor what you will learn from working and studying alongside people from all over the world. Harvard also tries to promote diversity further by offering a needs-blind application process and a financial aid package that guarantees you will not have to turn down your acceptance due to financial hardship! Harvard truly takes care of its students, giving them every opportunity imaginable and giving them an experience they will never forget.
    Read 664 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,205 Net Price
    • 1430-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  4. Sponsored

    Worcester Polytechnic Institute

    • 4 Year
    • Worcester, MA
    • 638

    Sophomore: I began my experience at WPI when I was a little girl going to my dad’s work, seeing his lab and wanting to be a scientist there just like him. I now attend school there and work in the psychology lab and study psychological science. WPI is on the smaller side and allows me to navigate, build relationships with my professors and easily recognize people all around campus. The reputation and opportunities the school has to offer are incredible. They really set you up for a career after graduation. One thing I want to see change is the diversity in majors and growing the humanities department. Science and math mixed with cultural studies, english, religion, language and psychology would make an even more well rounded individual and school. Overall I love my experience.
    Read 638 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,666 Net Price
    • 1310-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 940
    4 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Works Here: Yale is a highly diverse university with exceptionally friendly and helpful faculty, staff, and students. The food is beyond exceptional, taking sustainability, food waste, health, and nutrition in mind when it comes to every dish. I'm always learning new things each time I step foot on campus. I can't say enough about this place!
    Read 940 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,319 Net Price
    • 1420-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,128
    5 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Alum: The campus is beautiful to start and provides many beautiful areas for studying or hanging out with friends. The campus is full of amazing resources including the libraries and professors. The academics are definitely challenging, but worth it. Go Card!
    Read 1,128 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,695 Net Price
    • 1380-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,137
    6 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Alum: It's nice to see that the University has increased campus diversity of financial aid resources for families that will make the campus more diverse in terms of student backgrounds. I enjoyed my time in college housing a lot! Get involved with your house - go on house trips, play intramural sports, take on a leadership position. If you need something - speak up and ask for it! You really can have a say in your university. Don't be shy to speak up and ask questions. The University can only continue to improve with that kind of input.
    Read 1,137 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,068 Net Price
    • 1450-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Princeton University

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 403
    7 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Sophomore: Classes at Princeton are superb in all regards. Faculty to student ratios are very low, so students can receive a significant amount of attention from world-class professors and extremely helpful teacher assistants. The amount of resources dedicated to each student is unmatched. The alumni system is very structured, ensuring a connected student body with those in industry or academia. The campus is beautiful, showing off a gothic architecture juxtaposed with modern designs. The local area is a safe, cozy college town. The university is within an hour of New York and Philadelphia by train, but there are countless activities, clubs, and organizations to stay busy on campus. The food is relatively good and healthy. Some of the dorm conditions could be improved, but regardless the university does provide adequate housing and space for all students.
    Read 403 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,732 Net Price
    • 1400-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,800
    8 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Junior: I transferred to Cornell University as a sophomore for the academic opportunities. I decided that I wanted to pursue a veterinary career, and Cornell offered the chance to work alongside animals (from dissections to live animals-sometimes even waking up at 6:30AM to help at the farm), other pre-vets, and the chance to shadow and volunteer at the graduate veterinary school (I was so lucky to work in a coagulation lab with a few experienced lab researchers). Making the decision to transfer was one of the best choices I've ever made; I feel that the Cornell education cannot be replicated elsewhere and I'm even more passionate about becoming a veterinarian after studying here!
    Read 1,800 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,014 Net Price
    • 1330-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,140
    9 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Niche User: I visited Columbia at the end of March with a group and loved the vibe of the campus. Although I want to be as close as I can to or in the city, my ideal college campus needs look like a university setting. NYU, on the other hand, is right in the middle of the city and sometimes you can't tell where the buildings are without the NYU flags. I liked Columbia much better in that sense and I personally do not need to vouch for the education standard because we all know an ideal place to go for an intelligent, hard working student. Walking around the main area made me feel like I belonged there!
    Read 1,140 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,973 Net Price
    • 1410-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Bowdoin College

    • 4 Year
    • Brunswick, ME
    • 660
    10 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Niche User: I love the fact that Bowdoin is a small, liberal arts college. I am someone who thrives in close teacher-student relationships, and Bowdoin provides me with such an opportunity. Further, the College's emphasizes on career development is really important. For instance, Bowdoin displays fashion shows among students and faculty to learn "what to wear and what not to wear for an interview." Further, even though Bowdoin does not have a Journalism program, they do have an English major, and also the opportunity to create one's own program/major.
    Read 660 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,888 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Harvey Mudd College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 129
    11 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Junior: Academics at Harvey Mudd are exceptional. It is rigorous and not always rewarding, but at the end of the day, you learn a lot. Plenty of exciting classes to take, both at Mudd and at the other 5Cs. Mudders are easy to get along with. Only major issue with Mudd is the lack of grade inflation which can hurt your chances of getting into a top Grad school program. Getting a job after graduating from Mudd is easier and very rewarding.
    Read 129 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,460 Net Price
    • 1420-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,161
    12 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Senior: I truly love the University of Pennsylvania. I had an amazing time here and look forward to getting my graduate degree here next year. The highly professional environment and competitive atmosphere pushes students to reach their highest potential and grow beyond it. Penn also encourages students to have balanced social lives, and provides the students with the necessary resources to have their interests be represented within campus and in student groups. However, I must admit that Penn's hyper-competitive environment does have drawbacks, especially on students' mental health. I think Penn could tackle this by changing their grading scheme, especially for underclassmen.
    Read 1,161 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,944 Net Price
    • 1380-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Johns Hopkins University

    • 4 Year
    • Baltimore, MD
    • 1,237
    13 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Graduate Student: I am a first year graduate student in their online Museum Studies program. So far, I love everything about Johns Hopkins University. My professors have been very attentive and answer all my questions quickly, the work is very relevant and there are so many resources to help me. JHU's admissions office and academic advisors have been in constant contact with me, making sure I was all set for the semester. My student alumni ambassador is a wonderful person who has been helping me with JHU on a personally experienced level as she has graduated from the same program. I am proud to be a part of the JHU community!
    Read 1,237 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,352 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,044
    14 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: Choosing to go to Duke has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Its campus is BEAUTIFUL; we have lush gardens and there are so many birds here, from towhees to even the occasional hawk. The opportunities here to get involved are almost overwhelming. We have this program called DukeEngage where students go to all parts of the world to work with communities through research and volunteer work. I will actually be going to Costa Rica this summer to help in rainforest restoratuon and conservation through this program!But what I truly love most about this school is its students. The atmosphere here is not competitive but collaborative. I came to Duke feeling insecure about my qualifications compared to those of the other incoming freshman. But never once did I feel belittled or patronized. Students here want each other to succeed, we want to see each other grow and challenge ourselves to improve. Here at Duke, 'Southern Hospitality' is the real deal!
    Read 1,044 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,950 Net Price
    • 1380-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 3,975
    15 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Junior: I've had the best college experience here at the University of Michigan. The people, the attractions, the study spots, the food, just everything makes it feel like you're home. It's a very diverse campus with so many friendly faces and there is always something to do. And I think the fact that I am enrolled in the number one dental school in the nation makes it much more motivating for me. The instructors will do whatever they can to help students succeed and if you put your mind to it, you will succeed. There's never a bad place to study and that's the other advantage of going to Umich. The only downside is housing can be difficult to find but that's because everybody wants to be a part of the Michigan difference!
    Read 3,975 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,107 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,837
    16 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Sophomore: Berkeley is just perfect balance between academics and fun! I have amazing professors in all of my classes and they never stress me out too much. It's rigorous enough to get me going but not up to the point where it is not enjoyable. I have plenty of time to destress and go crazy on frat row. Berkeley also provides very unique experiences with a campus ripe with freedom of self-expression. You meet all sorts of people. Also, Berkeley is the number 1 public university in the world so you are definitely getting your money's worth!
    Read 3,837 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,160 Net Price
    • 1270-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Haverford College

    • 4 Year
    • Haverford, PA
    • 207
    17 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Senior: Haverford is an incredibly liberal arts-oriented college. With that in mind, the academics is highly focused on students, professors are caring and among the most approachable you'll ever meet, and students respect and care for each other. Campus is scenic, quiet, and has an excellent location in the suburb. There are many restaurants and shops within walkable distance to campus. However, in terms of the social aspect, Haverford parties are somewhat lame in nature, but it is also an extremely safe and accepting environment. Despite that athletics is not commendable, either, the majority of students are more or less involved in varsity sports and seem to enjoy what they do. Overall, Haverford is a nurturing environment for both intellectual growth and maturing personality-wise, and is ideal for those who seek a non-distressing transition into college.
    Read 207 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 21% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,144 Net Price
    • 1320-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,733
    18 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Junior: UCLA is definitely a place for all-rounded students to thrive and succeed. The campus offers beautiful scenery and classic lecture halls that enthralled me every time I walk to and between lectures. The school is safe and welcoming, and there are plenty of activities to be part of on-campus. In terms of classes, students do have to give it all since the professors do have high standards here. However, this is college, and learning and studying won't hurt you. Professors generally are really engaged in lectures, and if most likely students are going to succeed if they give their best. Dorms and the food are excellent and well maintained compared to others colleges I visited. I won't be surprise if more people decided to come here! GO BRUINS!
    Read 4,733 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 18% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,236 Net Price
    • 1160-1470 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Carnegie Mellon University

    • 4 Year
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 1,339
    19 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Senior: Carnegie Mellon fosters the most diverse collegiate environment where you can pursue anything you want to, academically and extracurricular-wise. It is home to 7 distinct colleges undergraduates can choose from including engineering, science, CS, business, fine arts, humanities, and information systems. I belong with the Mellon College of Science (MCS). The cool thing is that I am majoring in Neuroscience through MCS but am also minoring in biomedical engineering through the Carnegie Institute of Technology (CIT - engineering school), so I am experiencing the best of both colleges. This is only one example of the many interdisciplinary paths you can take here at CMU. Finally, CMU provides its students numerous opportunities to make an impact outside the classroom whether that is through travel-abroad service organizations, athletics, and so much more. The main takeaway is the CMU-experience is yours to design and there are endless possibilities.
    Read 1,339 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,250 Net Price
    • 1380-1550 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,259
    20 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: I love Notre Dame! It's a beautiful place, inside and out. We've got all sorts of clubs, students and academic interests. Personally, I am very pleased with the Mass and Sacrament availability as well as all the Catholic-related activities. Of course, not everybody is Christian; Notre Dame is a home for all. I've already found some solid friends with whom I enjoy spending these cold (and warm) Indiana days. ND meets 100% of financial need; this assistance extends beyond tuition and has allowed me to get the full Notre Dame Experience. Everyone here is passionate about something, and one passion we all share is a love for Notre Dame, Our Mother. Go Irish!
    Read 1,259 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 19% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,683 Net Price
    • 1350-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. Georgia Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,914
    21 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: Based on my first semester here, Georgia Tech is a wonderful university that has some of the prettiest sights I've ever seen and has some of the most modern facilities available to college students for free. My main highlight would be the Invention Studio, a huge laboratory filled with all kinds of heavy duty machines: 3D printers of various sizes, lazer cutters, a water jet, and even a plasma cutter! The campus can be a bit overwhelming in terms of size in the beginning, but over time you get used to it.
    Read 1,914 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 26% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,340 Net Price
    • 1320-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 475
    22 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Senior: Absolutely amazing school. World class professors and an uncompetitive academic environment mean you engage with your classmates and focus on real learning. The town is small, so there aren't many bars, but there are always good parties happening on campus that everyone is welcome to attend. Some of the athletics teams are really good, like national competitors. Other teams aren't but students still go to the games to cheer on their friends and socialize with each other. Carleton is a very challenging place, but at the same time everyone is willing to help you.
    Read 475 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 23% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,587 Net Price
    • 1320-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 5,738
    23 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Junior: In one sentence:there.is.something.for.everyone! UT Austin is simply the best in making a large school feeling immediately smaller by the countless communities you can jump right into. From political to adventurous student organizations, to meeting the very brightest professors and students in your chosen field, you will never cease to be amazed by the unlimited amount of opportunities available to you. For instance, I am a double major in Government and International Relations and Global Studies and am continuously amazed at the amount of programs, events, lectures , courses, and books available just for students in those majors. Your college's department of Career Services will blow you away as well, they will provide any and all resources to ensure your success after graduation. Most of all, UT is a highly respected university in the state of Texas and beyond, a degree from UT will go a very long way! I highly recommend studying here.
    Read 5,738 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 40% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,010 Net Price
    • 1140-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. University of Virginia

    • 4 Year
    • Charlottesville, VA
    • 2,083
    24 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: I love how the importance of student self-governance is emphasized to all UVa students from the beginning- that we are encouraged to take responsibility of our education and our overall experience at the university. I appreciate that the university is making a strong effort to recognize their past of slavery and segregation. UVa has a strong sense of school pride, and students deeply care about the success of the school as well as individual accomplishment. I was pleasantly surprised that all of my professors encouraged us to take risks, learn from failure, take breaks from school, and maintain our mental health.
    Read 2,083 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 30% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,945 Net Price
    • 1240-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Colgate University

    • 4 Year
    • Hamilton, NY
    • 977
    25 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Sophomore: Colgate is the best place on earth. I am a second semester sophomore and already stressing about now having enough time left on this campus. The Colgate community is so real everyone genuinely wants to be friends with everyone regardless of grade, gender, etc.. Not to mention it is home to quite possibly the best people on earth, it is so encouraged for people to be themselves and embrace their quirks. I had no idea what I was doing applying to schools but I am so lucky I ended up here, especially comparing it to others peoples experiences, it is genuinely so happy here always :)
    Read 977 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,463 Net Price
    • 1290-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  35. Sponsored

    Loyola Marymount University

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 1,554

    Freshman: This university campus is beautiful! I've stopped by here on and off throughout the years, and now I have had a chance to come here and I have many friends who came here. Notably, many of my buddies that play basketball. This school is private and tuition is high, yes, but the quality is great. The facilities are clean, modern, and pleasing to the eye. The students here are pretty cool too. If you're looking for a private school, and want more of a quiet suburban feel, then LMU might be your place.
    Read 1,554 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,946 Net Price
    • 1120-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Indiana University - Bloomington

    • 4 Year
    • Bloomington, IN
    • 4,282

    Niche User: I loved the campus of Indiana University! It has old buildings and the typical historic campus feeling. The moment I arrived there, it felt like home.
    Also, the student life is awesome because everyone is involved and has tones of school spirit! All the alumni I know loved going to Indiana University and recommended it as a school I should apply to. After visiting, it became my top choice school for multiple reasons: it has an amazing top ranked business program, division 1 athletics, beautiful campus that is also safe, and the campus is large but easy to get around. This is definitely one of the best colleges I have been to.
    Read 4,282 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,621 Net Price
    • 1060-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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