Best Physical Sciences Colleges in the Midwest (2026)
Updated
Regional list from Best Physical Sciences Colleges in the United States
This page ranks the 87 Physical Sciences programs in the Midwest by median earnings of Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing. University of Notre Dame leads the list with median earnings of $110,029 four years after completing.
Across the 64 schools with a published figure, earnings range from $110,029 to $28,598, with a median of $59,422. For 23 of the listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one.
Public institutions account for 69% of the list. University of Minnesota-Morris posts the lowest average net price at $8,837, while University of Chicago reports the highest six-year completion rate at 96%.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ranks 16th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions.
The ranked list
| Rank | School | Median Physical Sciences Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Notre Dame · Notre Dame, IN | $110,029 | $26,780 | $7,244 | 11.3% |
| University of Notre Dame reports $110,029 in median earnings of Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing, the highest figure on this list, and admits 11% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Physics (33 graduates), Chemistry (14 graduates) | |||||
| 2 | Bethel University · Saint Paul, MN | $85,657 | $28,556 | $22,218 | 87.8% |
| Bethel University ranks 2nd on this list with earnings of $85,657 four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 71%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Physics (25 graduates) | |||||
| 3 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, MI | $74,704 | $13,138 | $1,043 | 15.6% |
| A public university in Ann Arbor, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor posts an average net price of $13,138 and ranks 16th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (64 graduates), Physics (63 graduates), Chemistry (25 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Physics ($92,293), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($60,949) | |||||
| 4 | Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus, OH | No published median | $17,339 | $4,885 | 60.6% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus ranks 4th on this list, graduates 88% of its students within six years, and carries an average net price of $17,339. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Physics (65 graduates), Chemistry (52 graduates), Astronomy and Astrophysics (31 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Physics ($94,543), Chemistry ($71,559), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($53,381) | |||||
| 5 | Indiana State University · Terre Haute, IN | $73,623 | $10,873 | $6,455 | 80.8% |
| With median earnings of $73,623 four years after completing, Indiana State University ranks 5th on this list and has an admission rate of 81%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (16 graduates) | |||||
| 6 | Butler University · Indianapolis, IN | No published median | $36,041 | $25,278 | 85.1% |
| Butler University ranks 6th on this list, admits 85% of applicants, and shows a six-year completion rate of 80%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (22 graduates), Physics (10 graduates), Astronomy and Astrophysics (5 graduates) | |||||
| 7 | Gustavus Adolphus College · Saint Peter, MN | $73,540 | $22,900 | $12,015 | 61.0% |
| Gustavus Adolphus College reports $73,540 in median earnings of Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $12,015 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (17 graduates), Physics (14 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (9 graduates) | |||||
| 8 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Champaign, IL | $72,749 | $14,355 | $2,038 | 42.4% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks 8th on this list, with median earnings of $72,749 four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 85%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (114 graduates), Physics (47 graduates), Astronomy and Astrophysics (20 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Physics ($81,077), Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology ($71,425), Chemistry ($70,197) | |||||
| 9 | Lewis University · Romeoville, IL | $72,616 | $17,028 | $10,382 | 71.3% |
| Lewis University posts an admission rate of 71% and median earnings of $72,616 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Physics (16 graduates), Chemistry (10 graduates) | |||||
| 10 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis, MN | $72,457 | $16,778 | $6,642 | 79.8% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ranks 10th on this list, reports an average net price of $16,778, and graduates 85% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (68 graduates), Physics (37 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (19 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Physics ($80,025), Chemistry ($71,620), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($60,715) | |||||
| 11 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus · Cincinnati, OH | $72,302 | $25,648 | $17,974 | 85.3% |
| An average net price of $17,974 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with median earnings of $72,302 four years after completing at University of Cincinnati-Main Campus. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (51 graduates), Physics (18 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (15 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($72,302) | |||||
| 12 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln · Lincoln, NE | $71,752 | $17,747 | $12,751 | 87.5% |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln ranks 12th on this list, with an admission rate of 87% and median earnings of $71,752 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (27 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (12 graduates), Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (11 graduates) | |||||
| 13 | Baldwin Wallace University · Berea, OH | $71,252 | $27,603 | $21,296 | 75.7% |
| Baldwin Wallace University reports median earnings of $71,252 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate stands at 67%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (10 graduates) | |||||
| 14 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville · Edwardsville, IL | $70,541 | $14,889 | $8,483 | 97.5% |
| With an admission rate of 98%, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits nearly all applicants and posts a six-year completion rate of 57%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (21 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($70,541) | |||||
| 15 | Western Illinois University · Macomb, IL | $68,249 | $12,937 | $6,941 | 71.2% |
| Western Illinois University graduates its Physical Sciences students into median earnings of $68,249 four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $12,937. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($68,249) | |||||
| 16 | University of Indianapolis · Indianapolis, IN | No published median | $21,602 | $15,346 | 66.5% |
| University of Indianapolis ranks 16th on this list and shows a six-year completion rate of 56% with an average net price of $21,602. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (19 graduates) | |||||
| 17 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire · Eau Claire, WI | $66,989 | $16,550 | $10,270 | 82.3% |
| An Azimuth composite rank of 453rd among nonprofit four-year institutions coincides with median earnings of $66,989 for Physical Sciences graduates at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (26 graduates), Chemistry (19 graduates), Physics (14 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($66,246), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($56,739) | |||||
| 18 | Grand Valley State University · Allendale, MI | $66,142 | $16,317 | $12,272 | 83.0% |
| Grand Valley State University ranks 18th on this page, combining an average net price of $16,317 with a six-year completion rate of 67%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (23 graduates), Chemistry (22 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($70,611) | |||||
| 19 | University of Minnesota-Duluth · Duluth, MN | $66,002 | $18,743 | $7,256 | 88.8% |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth reports median earnings of $66,002 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing, and its admission rate is 89%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (36 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (9 graduates), Physics (9 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($66,529) | |||||
| 20 | Illinois State University · Normal, IL | $65,287 | $19,398 | $11,568 | 88.2% |
| Illinois State University ranks 137th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $65,287 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (20 graduates), Physics (17 graduates), Chemistry (14 graduates) | |||||
| 21 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville · Platteville, WI | $65,271 | $16,032 | $9,009 | 89.4% |
| A six-year completion rate of 56% and an average net price of $16,032 accompany the 21st position of University of Wisconsin-Platteville on this list. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($65,271) | |||||
| 22 | University of Wisconsin-River Falls · River Falls, WI | No published median | $14,054 | $8,472 | 81.7% |
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls ranks 22nd on this page, with an average net price of $14,054 and an admission rate of 82%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Physics (13 graduates), Chemistry (11 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (7 graduates) | |||||
| 23 | Kalamazoo College · Kalamazoo, MI | $63,824 | $19,072 | $12,019 | 75.3% |
| Kalamazoo College posts a six-year completion rate of 76% and median earnings of $63,824 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (32 graduates), Physics (12 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($63,824) | |||||
| 24 | Cleveland State University · Cleveland, OH | $63,541 | $14,764 | $11,958 | 91.3% |
| Cleveland State University reports median earnings of $63,541 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing, and its Azimuth composite rank is 211th among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (16 graduates), Physics (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($63,541) | |||||
| 25 | Case Western Reserve University · Cleveland, OH | No published median | $41,190 | $19,025 | 36.5% |
| Case Western Reserve University ranks 25th on this list and holds an Azimuth composite rank of 322nd among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (48 graduates), Physics (18 graduates) | |||||
| 26 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee, WI | $63,053 | $15,014 | $10,329 | 90.7% |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee reports median earnings of $63,053 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 49%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (15 graduates), Physics (10 graduates), Chemistry (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($63,838), Chemistry ($61,089) | |||||
| 27 | University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago, IL | $63,012 | $10,974 | $7,529 | 77.4% |
| With an average net price of $7,529 for families earning under $30,000, University of Illinois Chicago admits 77% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (24 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (19 graduates), Physics (8 graduates) | |||||
| 28 | Iowa State University · Ames, IA | $62,439 | $18,589 | $10,582 | 88.7% |
| Iowa State University posts median earnings of $62,439 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $18,589. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (32 graduates), Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (18 graduates), Physics (18 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($65,204) | |||||
| 29 | Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis, IN | $61,687 | $11,668 | $5,701 | 76.4% |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis ranks 29th on this list and graduates 54% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (56 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($61,687) | |||||
| 30 | Wayne State University · Detroit, MI | $61,655 | $12,766 | $11,090 | 81.2% |
| Wayne State University reports an average net price of $11,090 for families earning under $30,000 and median earnings of $61,655 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (50 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (16 graduates), Physics (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($63,079) | |||||
| 31 | Valparaiso University · Valparaiso, IN | $61,334 | $18,578 | $11,043 | 89.4% |
| A private nonprofit university in Valparaiso, Valparaiso University admits 89% of applicants and reports median earnings of $61,334 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (15 graduates), Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($62,245) | |||||
| 32 | University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, WI | No published median | $17,354 | $4,200 | 45.2% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks 32nd on this list and carries an Azimuth composite rank of 82nd among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (66 graduates), Physics (46 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (26 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Physics ($77,380), Chemistry ($64,734), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($58,771) | |||||
| 33 | Coe College · Cedar Rapids, IA | $61,162 | $18,745 | $11,479 | 64.0% |
| Coe College reports median earnings of $61,162 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 66%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Physics (18 graduates), Chemistry (7 graduates) | |||||
| 34 | University of Missouri-Kansas City · Kansas City, MO | $60,950 | $13,310 | $10,576 | 72.2% |
| With an admission rate of 72%, University of Missouri-Kansas City posts an average net price of $10,576 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (76 graduates), Physics (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($60,950) | |||||
| 35 | Purdue University-Main Campus · West Lafayette, IN | No published median | $14,600 | $5,098 | 49.9% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus ranks 35th on this list and graduates 83% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (72 graduates), Physics (53 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (43 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($67,680) | |||||
| 36 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse · La Crosse, WI | No published median | $16,210 | $8,224 | 75.5% |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse holds an Azimuth composite rank of 514th among nonprofit four-year institutions and an average net price of $16,210. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (15 graduates), Physics (12 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Physics ($80,594) | |||||
| 37 | University of Iowa · Iowa City, IA | $60,227 | $22,531 | $15,316 | 83.6% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 75%, University of Iowa reports median earnings of $60,227 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (34 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (15 graduates), Physics (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($60,227) | |||||
| 38 | Bowling Green State University-Main Campus · Bowling Green, OH | $60,065 | $24,022 | $18,396 | 81.0% |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus admits 81% of applicants and posts a six-year completion rate of 64%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (43 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (10 graduates), Physics (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($60,065) | |||||
| 39 | Kent State University at Kent · Kent, OH | $59,767 | $20,787 | $15,280 | 86.3% |
| Kent State University at Kent reports median earnings of $59,767 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing, above the $59,422 page median. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (36 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (16 graduates), Physics (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($65,810), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($46,171) | |||||
| 40 | Miami University-Oxford · Oxford, OH | $59,558 | $28,384 | $16,015 | 75.4% |
| Miami University-Oxford ranks 40th on this list, with median earnings of $59,558 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (50 graduates), Chemistry (18 graduates), Physics (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($59,558) | |||||
| 41 | Ohio University-Main Campus · Athens, OH | $59,287 | $21,637 | $15,673 | 85.0% |
| Ohio University-Main Campus graduates 65% of its students within six years and reports median earnings of $59,287 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (47 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (29 graduates), Physics (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($54,576) | |||||
| 42 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater · Whitewater, WI | $58,170 | $14,158 | $8,440 | 85.7% |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater posts an average net price of $14,158, alongside a six-year completion rate of 59%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (15 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($58,170) | |||||
| 43 | Ball State University · Muncie, IN | No published median | $14,940 | $7,834 | 85.5% |
| Ball State University ranks 279th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and admits 86% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (20 graduates), Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (6 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($63,764) | |||||
| 44 | Saint Cloud State University · Saint Cloud, MN | $57,108 | $13,529 | $8,909 | 94.8% |
| Saint Cloud State University reports median earnings of $57,108 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing, with an admission rate of 95%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (7 graduates), Chemistry (6 graduates), Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (5 graduates) | |||||
| 45 | Northern Illinois University · Dekalb, IL | No published median | $13,391 | $10,126 | 69.8% |
| Northern Illinois University ranks 116th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and posts an average net price of $13,391. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (30 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (13 graduates), Physics (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($65,611) | |||||
| 46 | Winona State University · Winona, MN | No published median | $17,503 | $10,224 | 75.5% |
| Winona State University admits 75% of applicants and carries an average net price of $10,224 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (23 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (16 graduates), Physics (5 graduates) | |||||
| 47 | University of Akron Main Campus · Akron, OH | $55,407 | $13,946 | $10,413 | 59.7% |
| University of Akron Main Campus reports median earnings of $55,407 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 52%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (20 graduates), Chemistry (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($53,594) | |||||
| 48 | Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo, MI | No published median | $15,273 | $5,263 | 84.6% |
| Western Michigan University posts an average net price of $5,263 for families earning under $30,000 and ranks 353rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (14 graduates), Chemistry (8 graduates), Physics (8 graduates) | |||||
| 49 | Michigan State University · East Lansing, MI | No published median | $19,680 | $7,068 | 84.8% |
| Michigan State University ranks 49th on this list and posts a six-year completion rate of 81%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Physics (53 graduates), Chemistry (48 graduates), Astronomy and Astrophysics (22 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($65,983), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($62,448) | |||||
| 50 | Wichita State University · Wichita, KS | No published median | $13,194 | $9,734 | 94.0% |
| With an admission rate of 94%, Wichita State University carries an average net price of $13,194. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (16 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (9 graduates), Physics (9 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($67,475) | |||||
| 51 | Eastern Michigan University · Ypsilanti, MI | No published median | $15,407 | $13,250 | 79.6% |
| Eastern Michigan University reports an average net price of $13,250 for families earning under $30,000 and ranks 319th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (15 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (10 graduates), Physics (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($67,767) | |||||
| 52 | Missouri State University-Springfield · Springfield, MO | $54,236 | $17,613 | $13,718 | 90.5% |
| Missouri State University-Springfield reports median earnings of $54,236 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (33 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (15 graduates), Physics (14 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($56,984), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($48,191) | |||||
| 53 | Indiana University-Bloomington · Bloomington, IN | No published median | $16,264 | $6,324 | 78.2% |
| A public university in Bloomington, Indiana University-Bloomington ranks 96th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (45 graduates), Physics (28 graduates), Astronomy and Astrophysics (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Chemistry ($61,024) | |||||
| 54 | DePaul University · Chicago, IL | $52,776 | $30,902 | $27,359 | 75.9% |
| DePaul University reports median earnings of $52,776 for its Physical Sciences graduates two years after completing and admits 76% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (9 graduates), Physics (5 graduates) | |||||
| 55 | Missouri University of Science and Technology · Rolla, MO | No published median | $16,298 | $10,912 | 72.6% |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology graduates 64% of its students within six years and carries an average net price of $16,298. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (21 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (15 graduates), Physics (12 graduates) | |||||
| 56 | Wright State University-Main Campus · Dayton, OH | $51,524 | $15,415 | $11,952 | 96.3% |
| Wright State University-Main Campus reports median earnings of $51,524 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 42%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (26 graduates), Physics (6 graduates), Chemistry (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($50,824) | |||||
| 57 | University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, MO | No published median | $20,268 | $13,841 | 78.5% |
| University of Missouri-Columbia admits 78% of applicants and reports an average net price of $13,841 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (29 graduates), Chemistry (23 graduates), Physics (22 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology ($55,790) | |||||
| 58 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology · Rapid City, SD | $48,069 | $20,183 | $15,348 | 79.9% |
| South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reports median earnings of $48,069 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing and ranks 505th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (13 graduates), Physics (6 graduates) | |||||
| 59 | University of Kansas · Lawrence, KS | No published median | $18,059 | $12,544 | 93.5% |
| University of Kansas ranks 59th on this list and carries an average net price of $18,059. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (24 graduates), Physics (15 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (10 graduates) | |||||
| 60 | University of Wisconsin-Parkside · Kenosha, WI | $47,123 | $11,772 | $7,425 | 75.4% |
| Graduating 40% of its students within six years, University of Wisconsin-Parkside reports median earnings of $47,123 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (5 graduates) | |||||
| 61 | University of Northern Iowa · Cedar Falls, IA | $46,986 | $15,901 | $10,863 | 92.7% |
| University of Northern Iowa reports median earnings of $46,986 for its Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing, and its average net price is $15,901. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Physics (8 graduates), Chemistry (5 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (5 graduates) | |||||
| 62 | Lindenwood University · Saint Charles, MO | $46,673 | $19,638 | $15,678 | 56.8% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 49%, Lindenwood University ranks 62nd on this list and shows median earnings of $46,673 two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (24 graduates) | |||||
| 63 | Carthage College · Kenosha, WI | No published median | $26,565 | $23,293 | 87.1% |
| Carthage College admits 87% of applicants and has an average net price of $23,293 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (15 graduates), Physics (8 graduates) | |||||
| 64 | Northwestern University · Evanston, IL | $44,971 | $29,167 | $1,764 | 7.7% |
| Northwestern University ranks 85th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, alongside an 8% admission rate. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (19 graduates), Physics (17 graduates) | |||||
| 65 | Hamline University · Saint Paul, MN | $43,798 | $20,744 | $15,371 | 87.6% |
| Hamline University posts median earnings of $43,798 for its Physical Sciences graduates two years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 60%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (9 graduates) | |||||
| 66 | John Carroll University · University Heights, OH | $42,682 | $28,746 | $19,945 | 80.9% |
| John Carroll University has an average net price of $19,945 for families earning under $30,000 and reports median earnings of $42,682 two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (19 graduates), Physics (5 graduates) | |||||
| 67 | Central Michigan University · Mount Pleasant, MI | No published median | $17,597 | $12,185 | 89.8% |
| Central Michigan University ranks 414th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its six-year completion rate is 59%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (13 graduates), Chemistry (13 graduates), Astronomy and Astrophysics (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($57,438) | |||||
| 68 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay · Green Bay, WI | $42,123 | $13,369 | $9,144 | 88.6% |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay reports median earnings of $42,123 for its Physical Sciences graduates two years after completing, with an average net price of $13,369. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (10 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (7 graduates) | |||||
| 69 | Michigan Technological University · Houghton, MI | $41,937 | $14,182 | $2,045 | 92.4% |
| Michigan Technological University admits 92% of applicants and shows median earnings of $41,937 for its Physical Sciences graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (13 graduates), Physics (9 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (6 graduates) | |||||
| 70 | Fort Hays State University · Hays, KS | No published median | $12,569 | $7,661 | 90.3% |
| Fort Hays State University has an average net price of $7,661 for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 48%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (21 graduates), Chemistry (7 graduates) | |||||
| 71 | Augustana College · Rock Island, IL | $41,025 | $22,736 | $15,787 | 62.7% |
| Augustana College reports median earnings of $41,025 for its Physical Sciences graduates two years after completing, and its admission rate is 63%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (7 graduates) | |||||
| 72 | University of Missouri-St Louis · Saint Louis, MO | $40,896 | $15,071 | $13,031 | 62.7% |
| University of Missouri-St Louis ranks 483rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, alongside median earnings of $40,896 two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (17 graduates), Physics (6 graduates) | |||||
| 73 | Beloit College · Beloit, WI | $40,821 | $21,526 | $15,176 | 63.0% |
| Beloit College reports median earnings of $40,821 for its Physical Sciences graduates two years after completing, and an average net price of $15,176 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (18 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (7 graduates) | |||||
| 74 | Saginaw Valley State University · University Center, MI | $40,641 | $10,775 | $9,844 | 72.1% |
| A public university in University Center, Saginaw Valley State University posts a six-year completion rate of 48% and an average net price of $10,775. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (10 graduates) | |||||
| 75 | University of Chicago · Chicago, IL | $39,909 | $14,860 | -$1,264* | 4.5% |
| University of Chicago admits 4% of applicants and ranks 38th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Physics (66 graduates), Chemistry (62 graduates), Astronomy and Astrophysics (24 graduates) | |||||
| 76 | Carleton College · Northfield, MN | No published median | $25,407 | $7,881 | 20.4% |
| Carleton College has an admission rate of 20% and an average net price of $7,881 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (33 graduates), Physics (28 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (18 graduates) | |||||
| 77 | St Olaf College · Northfield, MN | $38,894 | $23,874 | $10,404 | 48.3% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 84%, St Olaf College reports median earnings of $38,894 for its Physical Sciences graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (30 graduates), Physics (17 graduates) | |||||
| 78 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale · Carbondale, IL | $38,289 | $13,297 | $9,415 | 86.9% |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale ranks 78th on this list and shows an average net price of $13,297 alongside an 87% admission rate. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (10 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (9 graduates), Physics (5 graduates) | |||||
| 79 | Northern Michigan University · Marquette, MI | $38,289 | $14,085 | $7,697 | 84.0% |
| Northern Michigan University reports median earnings of $38,289 for its Physical Sciences graduates two years after completing, and a six-year completion rate of 52%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (15 graduates) | |||||
| 80 | Truman State University · Kirksville, MO | $37,208 | $12,780 | $6,046 | 83.8% |
| An average net price of $6,046 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with an 84% admission rate at Truman State University. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (14 graduates), Physics (8 graduates) | |||||
| 81 | Northwest Missouri State University · Maryville, MO | $37,208 | $16,244 | $13,176 | 86.1% |
| Northwest Missouri State University ranks 754th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $37,208 for its Physical Sciences graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (25 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (9 graduates) | |||||
| 82 | Concordia College at Moorhead · Moorhead, MN | $34,704 | $24,902 | $20,950 | 62.7% |
| Concordia College at Moorhead posts a six-year completion rate of 61% and an average net price of $24,902. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (12 graduates) | |||||
| 83 | The College of Wooster · Wooster, OH | $33,993 | $23,458 | $12,512 | 59.5% |
| The College of Wooster admits 60% of applicants and reports median earnings of $33,993 for its Physical Sciences graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (14 graduates), Physics (10 graduates) | |||||
| 84 | University of Minnesota-Morris · Morris, MN | $32,569 | $8,837 | $1,694 | 74.9% |
| University of Minnesota-Morris carries an average net price of $8,837 and ranks 804th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (23 graduates) | |||||
| 85 | Macalester College · Saint Paul, MN | $29,685 | $32,149 | $13,772 | 28.5% |
| Macalester College, a private nonprofit college in Saint Paul, reports median earnings of $29,685 for its Physical Sciences graduates two years after completing and an average net price of $13,772 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (21 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (15 graduates), Physics (12 graduates) | |||||
| 86 | Hope College · Holland, MI | $29,685 | $27,182 | $17,606 | 79.2% |
| Hope College admits 79% of applicants and its Physical Sciences graduates earn a median of $29,685 two years after completing, placing it 86th on this list. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (23 graduates), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences (6 graduates) | |||||
| 87 | Creighton University · Omaha, NE | $28,598 | $31,568 | $20,472 | 79.8% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 83%, Creighton University ranks 716th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $28,598 for its Physical Sciences graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Chemistry (25 graduates), Physics (7 graduates) | |||||
* Net price can be negative: when grants and scholarships exceed the listed cost of attendance, students can receive the difference as a refund for other expenses.
How this list is ordered
Schools are ordered by the median earnings of their Physical Sciences graduates four years after completing, highest first. Only schools with a reported Physical Sciences earnings cohort in the Midwest appear. The figure covers federally aided completers who were working and not enrolled four years after completing. For 23 of the 87 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one. The metric does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The range and median below cover the 64 schools with a published figure. University of Notre Dame leads Bethel University by $24,372, and the spread from top to bottom is $81,431.
Related rankings
- Best Physical Sciences Colleges in the United States
- Best Colleges in the Midwest
- Physical Sciences Colleges in the Northeast
- Physical Sciences Colleges in the South
- Physical Sciences Colleges in the West
- Physical Sciences Colleges in the Midwest for Social Mobility