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2018 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. California Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 107
    1 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: As a freshman in the second term, the experience here has been pretty positive. The coursework is definitely challenging, but it keeps me motivated to pursue higher goals. I am extremely grateful for finding such a like-minded community of scholars who are supportive and caring.
    Read 107 Reviews

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

  2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 596
    2 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 596 Reviews

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

  3. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 645
    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 645 Reviews

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

  5. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 936
    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 936 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
    • 1,112
    5 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: Stanford is a beautiful, welcoming place where everyone is welcome! There is an overwhelming sense of community to be found by anyone from any background, and academics are challenging and prepare you for anything you may want to pursue after college. The atmosphere and school spirit are always lively, and it's an overall great place to be.
    Read 1,112 Reviews

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

  7. Princeton University

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 393
    6 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: In my experience, which has only been one semester, Princeton is a wonderful place. It has comfortable dorms, beautiful study spaces, delicious food and amazing professors. I am pursuing a BA degree rather than a BSE, and I was able to take a wide range of classes that I enjoyed. There are endless oppportunities for extra cirriculars. It is however, a stressful environment depending on how many things you decide to take on, in addition to the pressure of going to such a prestigious institution with students that have the same goals of achievement.
    Read 393 Reviews

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

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,123
    7 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    College Sophomore: My experience at UChicago so far has been wonderful! There is such a variety of courses to choose from, and so many interesting majors are available. All of the courses are respectable and worth taking. The professors and TA's are all very experienced in their fields, and are very passionate about what they're teaching. The Core classes are usually taught in lecture halls, but also have classes periods that are broken up into smaller groups (during discussion). Other classes can have as few as five students, like my Yucatec Maya class, which allows students to have awesome conversations with their professors and TA's.
    Read 1,123 Reviews

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

  10. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 935
    8 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Sophomore: Brown University is an amazing place to go for undergrad. There's simply nowhere else that I'd rather spend four years learning and growing as a person. The open curriculum allows for lots of exploration and risk-taking in the classroom, and this culture bleeds into student life as well. The environment here is very relaxed and collaborative, and the students here are kind, accepting, and fun. And coming from a SoCal kid, the weather isn't even that bad! I've only been at Brown for one year, but I'm so glad I made the choice to come here when I was deciding between colleges last April.
    Read 935 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,264 Net Price
    • 1370-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,773
    9 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Alum: Below are 3 things I consider Cornell as a great investment.
    1. reputation
    Every people, including people at work, recognizes me as a "smart Cornell girl"
    2. Food
    Food in Cornell is very delicious. It is just like a buffet! Compared to all other school cafeterias I have visited, I think Cornell has one of the best campus foods in the United States.
    3. Friends / Networks
    Of course friends and networks are the most important above all. Because it is a private Ivy-league school, all smart and mostly above middle class students gather around school networks, which I assume will be very powerful for future career.
    Read 1,773 Reviews

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

  13. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,139
    10 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Senior: I loved the academics. The academics were challenging, and I had to grow comfortable with not getting A's like I did in high school. The professors were very engaged and wanted to see their students do well. I was also a varsity athlete and found the facilities to be amazing! I joined greek life and found it to be very rewarding. The greek life at Penn is much more laid back than some other schools. I had work study jobs throughout my time at Penn, which I found enabled me to get a handle on the work world while also pursuing my studies and academics.
    Read 1,139 Reviews

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

  14. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,116
    11 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Alum: I have found my experience at Columbia to have been one of endless discovery. In this review I will focus on the Core Curriculum, which all students in the College and the School of Engineering take in one way or another. Although there is a valid claim to the antiquity of the texts themselves, Columbia's teaching and discursive methodology is second-to-none. The way I see it, there is universal value in being well-read; it is a prerequisite for engaging with the world in meaningful terms outside of what one might experience through their personal spheres. Even those who may oppose aspects of the Core -- as I have at times -- have plenty of options to respond creatively. The curriculum may appear rigid at first, but as Columbia teaches us, knowledge at face-value is nothing gained. The Core Curriculum was the most flexible aspect of my education, because there was always the lingering question of how I would bend it towards my will in hopes of doing good for this world.
    Read 1,116 Reviews

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

  15. Dartmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, NH
    • 667
    12 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: Dartmouth is simply wonderful. It has such a wonderfully cozy and collaborative atmosphere, which combined with the unparalleled focus on undergraduate students makes it the best college there is. The only thing people should be aware of is that there will be a large number of wealthy students, so be prepared to face some new socioeconomic diversity. Overall, it is such a safe and fun college set in a beautiful part of the country!
    Read 667 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,177 Net Price
    • 1350-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. Harvey Mudd College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 128
    13 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: Overall, it's a great education. No matter your grades, it will not be hard to find a job as a HMC graduate. However, core is hard, there are issues with diversity and mental health, and people are overworked and often, very unhappy. It's a four-year intensive boot-camp that will break you down.
    Read 128 Reviews

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

  18. University of California - Berkeley

    • 4 Year
    • Berkeley, CA
    • 3,760
    14 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: Berkeley is an amazing school with amazing professors. I love it here and I learn so much, my dorm is amazing, the clubs are really great, there are so many oppertunities for volunteer work, professors who are literally famous in their fields teach intro level classes!
    On the other hand, grade deflation here is awful, and the fear of not being able to get into grad school or med school because only the top something percent of people get As in various STEM classes is enormous. As in any other big city, safety is a bit of an issue, although there are lots of systems in place to make it safer for students.
    Overall, though, it's a fantastic school!
    Read 3,760 Reviews

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

  19. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 361
    15 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Alum: Pomona is amazing. The student body is diverse, talented, intellectually engaged & brilliant.

    The professors are even better. After Pomona I studied at Columbia University and the University of California at Berkeley earning a PhD and two Masters degrees along the way. Still, my classes at Pomona blew all the other ones through the roof.

    Beautiful campus, great weather, fun and philosophizing -- at the library, the dorms or the keg party.

    And I haven't even gotten to Ski-Beach Day yet!
    Read 361 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,140 Net Price
    • 1340-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,375
    16 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Graduate Student: First and foremost everyone is committed to ensuring that the students receive all the support to achieve their goals. The case based studying for the MBA's helps students to deal with real issues that happen at the work place. This helps you as a student to gain the skills and confidence address issues facing firms today.
    There is also a great opportunity to network and build lasting professional and personal relationships. In a world where relationships is the only currency that has no diminishing returns, it's a privilege to find an institution that has an ongoing and organized way to network and build lasting relationships.
    At Washu, you learn how to work in teams. Everyone spends the first year of school working in a group of not less than five people.
    Lastly WashU has-the Saturday program that allows working students to attend classes on Saturdays which helps them to spend less time in school and still manage to work and start families for those willing to do so.
    Read 1,375 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,824 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Georgia Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,889
    17 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Sophomore: The application process is done in such a way that students that not only have academic prowess but also several other talents and passions makes this campus a truly diverse experience. There are a lot of philanthropic opportunities, as well as many clubs that give leadership lessons in whatever the student desires. Because Georgia Tech is a world-class campus, the opportunities offered to the students are many and are also well-funded for those who do not have a lot of money themselves. Because of this, over half of the student body participates in a program of campus before they graduate, which will normally be things like an internship, co-op, or studying abroad. The professors at this institute are extremely knowledgable in what they teach and most make an effort to meet the student where they need in order to further their academic progress. Overall, everyone on campus strives for greatness and bringing something into the world that helps them accomplish their dreams. Go Jackets!
    Read 1,889 Reviews

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

  23. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,030
    18 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: If you aren't entirely decided on what you want to study, or want to combine two fields that don't seem to fit, Duke is the best school available to you. The flexible pathway through Duke is one of its best features, and it guarantees there's something academic for nearly everyone here. Not to mention everything that goes on outside of academics. Whether you're a performance artist, coder, engineer, service-learner, researcher, intense athlete, or a just for fun one, there's a place for you here. If you're anything at all, and looking to challenge yourself, then come to Duke!
    Read 1,030 Reviews

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

  24. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

    • 4 Year
    • Troy, NY
    • 955
    19 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Sophomore: Academics are very difficult here, but the degree is worth it. You'll come out of RPI really knowing your field. Parties are mostly through Greek Life, so it can be tricky to find parties or to get in if you are unaffiliated. The majority of people probably don't party. Campus is in a great location, short walk from downtown Troy, and the city bus service is free to students. There is so much to do at RPI and no matter who you are you'll always find a group to fit in with!
    Read 955 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 44% Acceptance Rate
    • $37,434 Net Price
    • 1280-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 3,918
    20 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Alum: The University of Michigan's motto is "Leaders and Best" and that's exactly what this school provides and produces. It provides the best professors, courses and college experiences and produces innovative leaders. My experience at this institution allowed for academic and personal growth, which has embedded quite a zealous spirit within me, especially in regard to the achievement of my future aspirations. I can't thank this school enough. To conclude, I recommend the University of Michigan to anyone willing to work hard, expand their mind and anyone who wishes to fulfil their dreams!
    Read 3,918 Reviews

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

  26. Carleton College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 471
    21 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Freshman: Love everything about Carleton! The surrounding area is very safe because it's right next to a small town, and the professors are so knowledgeable in what they teach. Plus, they're available whenever you need them.
    Read 471 Reviews

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

  27. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,243
    22 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Alum: Notre Dame is an amazing place to get a high quality education with great reputation and close-knit community feel with fun and spirited student life. It’s not necessary to be Catholic and people who aren’t religious at all won’t feel excluded, but it is especially amazing for people who are religious. I myself am not very religious but was raised in the faith and do appreciate it, so I enjoyed being around it and taking the required Theology and Philosophy courses. Everyone is extremely nice and collaborative! Very smart people here and caring professors. Single sex dorms is a negative as well as less opportunities for medical professions, as there is no hospital or medical focus here. I would say it’s best for business, engineering, or liberal arts. Although science is still good here and people get into great grad programs no matter what they want to continue on studying!
    Read 1,243 Reviews

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

  30. Carnegie Mellon University

    • 4 Year
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 1,324
    23 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Alum: Carnegie Mellon is tough, no doubt about it. But it's also a place where you'll be pushed and surrounded by other talented and passionate people working hard too. You bond over that and I made awesome friends who will always be close no matter the years and distance. It can be very stressful, but making it through did convince me that I could persevere through anything, something that has benefitted me a lot out in the working world. I'll always prefer to hire CMU graduates because I of this.

    Sports? Nah. Don't go there for sports. Campus? A lot better now then when I was there! Dorms? They're OK but moved off campus after 1st year. Parties? Well my group of friends had a lot of house parties but this was more Art, Design, Drama and random stragglers group ;) Pittsburgh? Wasn't convinced at the time (wanted to be in NYC) but it's a good place to go to school - enough to do, fairly safe, pretty cheap to live, plenty of arts and culture if you want it, decent food, etc.
    Read 1,324 Reviews

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

  31. Haverford College

    • 4 Year
    • Haverford, PA
    • 199
    24 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Sophomore: Haverford is an top-notch school academically with a very welcoming social environment for the most part. The customs program is something that really stands out to me, though YMMV.

    My major gripe would be the spending on unnecessary building projects that would be better devoted to financial aid; the endowment is being mismanaged (though granted it is still in the national top 50 for student to endowment ratio). Applicants should also be aware that there is a significant divide and tension between athletes and non-athletes.
    Read 199 Reviews

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

  32. Colgate University

    • 4 Year
    • Hamilton, NY
    • 974
    25 Best Colleges for Physics in America

    Senior: I enjoyed attending Colgate very much. The Alumni network is probably the largest investment return for the school. The reputation as a party school is changing with recent protests motivating safer and more conscientious greek life. The town is very small and rural with almost no resources, however, this makes road trips to cities quite fun. Similarly, the small town, harsh winters, challenging academics, and small class sizes makes the Colgate community very close.
    Read 974 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,463 Net Price
    • 1290-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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2018 Best Colleges for Physics in America
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