2024 Best Colleges for Physics in Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,339 reviews

Sophomore: As a University of Pennsylvania student, my experience has been transformative. The academic rigor and diverse courses allowed me to explore passions and develop critical thinking. Accessible and knowledgeable faculty shaped my journey, while the vibrant campus life fostered a sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds. I appreciate the emphasis on research opportunities, collaborating with renowned scholars, and Philadelphia's cultural scene, offering internships and networking. However, addressing the cost of attendance with more financial aid options and scholarships is essential for equal access. Moreover, enhancing inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups would strengthen our community further. Overall, UPenn has provided exceptional opportunities, but improvements can make it an even more accessible and inclusive institution for all students.... Read 1,339 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $14,578

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,468 reviews

Sophomore: I'm currently considering a shift to the Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts Degree (BXA). CMU's versatility in offering such a unique blend of art and tech truly speaks to its pioneering spirit in education. It’s not every day you find a university that allows you to bridge two seemingly disparate fields in such a cohesive manner. However, like all institutions, there's always room for improvement. I'd love to see more inter-departmental collaborations. Given the vast array of talent and expertise at CMU, I believe fostering more interdisciplinary projects can lead to even more groundbreaking work. All in all, Carnegie Mellon has given me an environment where I can grow academically while also nurturing my personal interests. If you're looking for a place that challenges you, offers diverse programs, and fosters a sense of community, CMU might just be the place for you!... Read 1,468 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $37,450

• SAT range 1480-1560

• Swarthmore, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  424 reviews

Alum: Life changing. Not only because of the quality of professors and the teacher to student ratio, but because the student body is so extraordinary. Living with and around people who are major achievers rubs off on you. Being there raised my standards 1000% because that is what I had to do just to keep up. And that habit stayed with me for the rest of my life. It produced a wonderful, successful life and work experience. Proud to be a Swattie!... Read 424 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 8%

• Net price $19,733

• SAT range 1430-1560

• Haverford, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  267 reviews

Freshman: Haverford is one of the greatest and lovely college I have ever set my eyes on or experience . Experience can be highly individualised base on preferences. These some of my experience: First and foremost, good academic integrity in the school . The school promotes a culture of fairness and intellectual honesty, where students are encouraged to engage in rigorous academic pursuit whilst upholding to the highest standard in integrity. Moreover, Haverford commitment to inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives is one of my experience.The college create an environment where people from different background feels valued and supported. Inclusivity is highly valued at Haverford. Again,Haverford college reflects personal values and aspirations like fostering integrity, respect, inclusivity and intellectual growth. I am very happy to be part of a community that share these values and contribute to the vibrant and inclusive environment at Haverford college.... Read 267 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $24,462

• SAT range 1420-1540

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  450 reviews

Alum: Bryn Mawr College was a great home for me. Professors and staff care about students and student needs. I loved the self-governance aspect of the school where students got to make decisions concerning how the institution is run. I loved the sense of community, the beauty of the campus, and the skills I received to thrive beyond the walls of Bryn Mawr!... Read 450 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 39%

• Net price $34,482

• SAT range 1310-1500

• Villanova, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,555 reviews

Alum: Villanova is not a perfect school, but it was a great fit and wonderful experience for me! There are countless opportunities, good communication/posting of opportunities for students to be aware of and get involved in, and a great campus, relational feel to the school. Villanova is small enough to feel homey but large enough to continually meet new people or branch out and try new clubs, activities, etc. A common (and true) complaint is lack of diversity on campus. This is something to take into account but as an alum, I think the school is aware of it and has attempted to make strides to address it. I'd like to have seen the social scene change slightly; as someone who doesn't drink alcohol, it took some time to find like-minded people and find social opportunities that didn't feel centered around college drinking culture. I think this is a reality of many schools, not necessarily Villanova-specific. Overall, I loved Villanova and would choose to attend if I had to do it over again!... Read 1,555 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 25%

• Net price $33,123

• SAT range 1350-1490

• University Park, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  7,497 reviews

Alum: I love nearly everything about this school! The sports are great, there are major entertainment events, art and religion are honored, there are over 1,000 student organizations, and I have had incredible professors consistently throughout my years (although peers in other majors did not always say this). In the area, there is hiking, skiing, several summer festivals, several thrift stores, and a high proportion of restaurants with different ethnic cuisines. Recommendation for change are prioritizing updates to dorm buildings and increasing accessibility to groceries downtown, as this is where a large number of students live (without their cars). It has many international students, but is otherwise limited in diversity. It mostly reflects the state/region, so I do not see this as something that necessarily needs to change.... Read 7,497 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $26,151

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  4,307 reviews

Freshman: University of Pittsburgh is a great school with many diverse tools students can utilize to get the best out of their time here. From a wide range of studies to a vast option of clubs, University of Pittsburgh allows students to instantly feel connected to the school. In addition, the University of Pittsburgh has fantastic resources especially for Pre-Health related careers. With the UPMC building nearby, you can obtain your medical hours right on campus! You can easily contact a faculty member within the Pre-Health department to discuss the best academic path for you. The campus holds a variety of recreational spots including restaurants, museums, and cafes to study at. However, in the future, I hope to see the university improve their communication with their students regarding Panther Central. Panther Central is Pitt's main communication line where students can ask anything from housing to transportation. Unfortunately, the faculty takes a long time responding to students' emails.... Read 4,307 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $22,996

• SAT range 1250-1470

• Lewisburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  797 reviews

Junior: Freshman year was rough due to Covid restrictions. Each year has gotten better, especially the food! The administration actually listened to the complaints and ungraded the selections. The campus is beautiful, but Lewisburg is a small town so aside from a few bars and restaurants there is not much to do in town. The trade off is that it is very safe. Greek life is big, but anyone can get involved and if you are not interested in the party scene there is still a lot to do on campus. The academics are challenging but most of my professors have been great and always willing to help those who are struggling. There are also many opportunities for free tutoring. The housing is variable...some dorms are nicer than others, but the school guarantees housing all 4 years.... Read 797 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 35%

• Net price $38,170

• SAT range 1270-1450

• Williamsport, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  541 reviews

Other: I am an incoming freshman this fall at Lycoming College. I was beyond relieved and trilled when I was able to announce my commitment to Lyco. The whole recruiting process alone for football was stressful. Actually coming down to the decision to pick a school was tough. I thought back to my time taking a visit to Lyco; right from when I got there everyone was so nice and I felt like as if I knew everyone already. I was the only recruit on campus that day so it was just my dad and I. The coaching staff greeted me with open arms and so did the players. The players, I appreciated a lot for showing me and around campus and being personable. Everything about the campus seemed to be just what I was looking for from the surrounding area, campus, students, and athletics. I am just so grateful that God and guided me to this and opened this door for me to continue on with my goals. I feel like my upcoming time at Lyco is going to benefit in all areas as a person, student, and athlete. Thank you.... Read 541 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $19,508

• SAT range 1080-1250

• Bethlehem, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  925 reviews

Sophomore: I love the sense of community feel to the school. I like the medium size of the school where you don't feel like a number. The academics are pretty strong, especially the engineering and the CSB programs. Lehigh is also known to have a really good alumni network and really good financial aid packages for those who want need-based opportunities. It does get pretty cold but you'll get used to it. However, it is a slight culture shock that many rich people attend the school but the social scene I feel is fine but is centered around Greek Life, however, you'll find the people you like! The surrounding area is okay, I feel the Northside of Bethlehem is better but not at all a dangerous area, still pretty safe for the most part, just be aware of your surroundings. I am also a minority too and I feel that the political and racial climate is fine, but there is still some microaggressions one can face but I never have felt unsafe. Overall, a really great school and worth it for job outlook!... Read 925 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $31,539

• SAT range 1290-1490

• Carlisle, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  697 reviews

Alum: As a science major, I enjoyed the close connections I was able to forge with professors and classmates at a small school. The ability to lead & design research projects while in undergrad was something I know I would not have gotten at a big school! I also loved the number of clubs and groups available on campus and I was able to try out new activities and skills I wouldn't have otherwise - like camping and volleyball. The school is pretty isolated so you will have to make most of your own fun on campus if you don't have a car. Carlisle is cute thought! By senior year, it was feeling quite small socially.... Read 697 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $20,913

• SAT range 1190-1365

• Gettysburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  633 reviews

Other: My daughter is a freshman at Gettysburg and she loves the school. Honestly, I don’t know what some of the reviewers are talking about. The student body at Gettysburg is diverse, friendly, bright, and committed. The teachers are smart, dedicated, and supportive. The campus is beautiful. My daughter describes the school thus: “I love Gettysburg! My teachers are great, I have made tons of friends, it is beautiful, and cozy!”... Read 633 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $35,794

• SAT range 1280-1430

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  3,147 reviews

Sophomore: I would say the only downside is that you have to be pretty headstrong about your college career decisions. Especially with the Cooperative Education at Drexel, you are expected to stay ahead of the curve and be ready for the workforce, simultaneously keeping advisors and professors in the loop about exactly how you need to organise your classes. The great thing about it applies to students who know how to go out and get what they’re looking for and are self-reliant. I recommend making friends with your professors and being willing to work outside of the bounds of Drexel, because the system is pretty good at following your lead!... Read 3,147 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $26,076

• SAT range 1210-1410

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  5,780 reviews

Senior: I LOVE Temple University! Most of my professors have been nice, fair, knowledgeable and even passionate about what they teach. Temple has a gym on campus, which offers group fitness classes including yoga, cycling, and meditation, included in tuition fees. The healthcare I received on campus has always been stellar. The Disability Resource Services offered have been stellar, and the 24-hour TECH Center is a pleasure to spend days in while studying and working on projects. Temple has an app now where you can request a chaperoned walk home in person or virtually, as well as a nightly shuttle that circulates around the edges of campus for those in off-campus housing. Our Marching Band was one of my favorite extra curriculars offering an annual stipend when you join and you get to perform synchronized dances to pop songs at home games on Philly Eagles turf at the LINC. Temple has a strong community feel that makes you want to wear Temple gear and represent no matter your niche. GO OWLS!... Read 5,780 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $23,224

• SAT range 1010-1230

• Meadville, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  940 reviews

Junior: A college with small classes offers numerous advantages for students. Firstly, smaller class sizes foster a more personalized learning experience. With fewer students, professors can provide individual attention, facilitating better understanding and engagement. Students can actively participate in discussions and receive prompt feedback, enhancing their academic growth. Secondly, small classes promote stronger relationships between students and professors. This enables students to build connections, seek guidance, and benefit from mentorship opportunities. Additionally, small class sizes encourage collaboration and peer-to-peer learning, as students have more opportunities to interact and share ideas. Overall, a college with small classes cultivates an inclusive and supportive environment, enhancing learning outcomes and student success.... Read 940 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $25,419

• SAT range 1140-1350

• Lancaster, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  883 reviews

Freshman: I love, love, love F&M! I've met the best friends. The staff are so sweet. Our College Dean/VP, Drew, is the best. Last week he brought us all pizza at 10 pm. The staff work really hard here. The dining staff are always so friendly. They see us as their kids :) The campus is beautiful. It's not a rich school but we have good resources. Everyone is down to earth. There's decent parties but more of the scene is hanging out with friends, laughing, being spontaneous. The City is pretty great. I like that I can walk to everything. There's lots of support resources for academics, tutoring, counseling and medical. The food is actually great. My house is the best (Weis!). It's the community that means the most to me. Go here.... Read 883 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $26,316

• SAT range 1200-1420

• Washington, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  729 reviews

Alum: W&J is highly underrated. It is a beautiful campus with a mix of well-preserved historic and new modern buildings. Tasty, healthy food is available in the main dining commons and separate grill with plenty of places for students to congregate. The student vibe is upbeat, friendly, and motivated. Dedicated professors make classes challenging but interesting. The school has a tight knit community feel. Also, the location offers the best of both worlds: safe suburban campus just a short car or school-provided shuttle ride to Pittsburgh. The school has competitive sports teams and games/matches are well-attended by supportive students and faculty. If you want small class size, lots of academic and emotional support, and professors who will push you to be the absolute best version of yourself, this is the place for you!... Read 729 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $27,101

• SAT range 1050-1300

• Grove City, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  1,063 reviews

Junior: I love the community at Grove City College! Everyone is extremely welcoming and encouraging! I am also very thankful for the many resources made available to me here at the college which prompt me to succeed in my academic career. Additionally, I really appreciate the availability of the professors to meet with me one on one if I have any questions about their class. There are so many opportunities made available to students through the college such as numerous clubs/organizations to join, student-led short-term mission trips (ICO trips), and Bible studies/worship events around campus! While the academic work is rigorous, there are tons of people surrounding you who are willing to help, and there are also many resources that are provided to aid you in your studies. Overall, my experience here at Grove City College has been positive and filled with lots of growth, not only in knowledge from my classes but also in my love for the Lord!... Read 1,063 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $21,846

• SAT range 1130-1380

• Selinsgrove, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  852 reviews

Alum: Loved my experience at SU! It's such a homey place, with lots of extra curricular options and autonomy in path of study. The power levels are not far apart, the university president is a casual, supportive face you see on campus frequently. The norm established of everyone studying abroad and taking GO classes enhance the entire community's cultural knowledge and appreciation. I will say that living on campus for 4 years and therefore having expensive dining plans made it more expensive, although the food was decent. I love that the school values global citizenship and the environment (hello, solar field). I do wish Susquehanna did better to educate students and community about and honor the indigenous people the school and river it sits near are named after. I am grateful that there have been moves made toward this, but there is a long way to go.... Read 852 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $28,130

• SAT range 1020-1230

• Collegeville, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  482 reviews

Alum: I really enjoyed the small class sizes and the dedication and attentiveness of the professors. Academically, it's a great school, though I can only speak for the arts (my major was French literature), not science - and Ursinus is well-known for its focus on biology and the sciences. Being a language major, I wished that there were French courses in geopolitics, communication, and history, rather than solely literature. But I knew that going in. Socially, there was too much of an emphasis on Greek life, and hazing was rampant and unchecked by the school. Because of the small school size there also was not a lot going on and we used to complain about that, but looking back, that aspect forced us to be creative in the ways we spent our time. There were a good number of clubs, but silly 20-year-old me did not take advantage of those. It was also encouraged and really popular to study abroad, which was an amazing opportunity.... Read 482 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $31,438

• SAT range 1200-1360

• Huntingdon, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  896 reviews

Niche User: As a parent of a Juniata student, the experience has been excellent! The administration and professors really care about the students. There are many beloved traditions--from Mountain Day, to Madrigal, Lobsterfest, and more. Professors go out of their way to help students succeed. There are also many opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, travel, and more. This is also a college where the faculty, administration and students are truly a community! It's not uncommon to be invited to a professor's home for dinner with other students or to bake holiday cookies. The alumni network is strong--with former students willing to bend over backwards to help current students network for internships, first jobs, etc. Many students graduate with great opportunities lined up--whether it's a first job or grad school. An excellent place to get an education!... Read 896 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $26,493

• SAT range —

• Slippery Rock, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,601 reviews

Junior: Slippery Rock has been an amazing college so far and I have enjoyed my time here. I transferred into their program as a second-semester sophomore. They worked with me to accept and transfer all of my existing credits and provided me with two scholarships for my first year. Their campus accommodations including food, housing, and leisure have been diverse and easily accessible. I would love for Slippery Rock to provide more parking. They also have extensive on-campus healthcare options, and a gym for wellness opportunities. Due to the size of the campus, it is easy to make friends and interact with teachers on a one-on-one basis. However, the campus is still large enough that there's always someone new to meet, and the ability to avoid people you don't like! For a state school, the price point is perfect and I've loved my time here so far.... Read 1,601 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $12,364

• SAT range 970-1170

• Kutztown, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  1,660 reviews

Freshman: Going to KU has been the best decision I made in my entire life, as well as the best thing that has ever happened to me. From debating world issues in Model UN to traveling to Washington DC to work with advocacy groups, I had an unprecedented number of political opportunities this year as a political science major. Both the academics and the extracurriculars have been amazing. Although I dreaded having to take general education courses in college, KU gave us much leeway in what types of courses we could take to fulfill our requirements. From cultural geography to anthropology, the gen ed courses that we could choose from were far from a limited selection. In fact, I can even get away with taking a social science course to fulfill my science class requirement! My spare time on campus was occupied by the many political, academic, religious, and recreational opportunities that I’ve never gotten before, and I was never bored after studying and classes were done.... Read 1,660 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $22,418

• SAT range 990-1200

• Bethlehem, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  509 reviews

Freshman: Moravian has provided a great environment for new students just like myself! I have found there to be a ton of activities to get involved with and feel as though I am a part of a community. Moravian offers an astounding range of clubs, classes and jobs students are able to take advantage of. They also provide great resources such as a writing center that comes in handy. I can definitely see myself here for the next four years since I feel tremendously welcome!... Read 509 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $32,020

• SAT range 1050-1200