Compare 126 Physics. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $72,003. Top programs: $131,025+.
Physics programs produce graduates earning between $26K and $131K—a $105K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 126 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The school name on your diploma matters far less than which specific program you choose.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology leads with Physics graduates earning $131K, well above the $72K national average across all 126 programs. But the more telling finding is how accessible high earnings can be: Oregon State University—admitting 77% of applicants—delivers $103K in median program earnings, nearly matching Notre Dame's $110K. Selective admissions don't guarantee superior outcomes.
For students borrowing independently, MIT's Physics graduates carry just $14,768 in federal loans with a 1.9% payment burden—an 'Excellent' GPS affordability rating where loan payments barely register against post-grad income. For families factoring in parent loans, UNC Chapel Hill leads with a 7.3% combined burden, also rated 'Excellent,' on $39K in total family debt.
Highest program earnings: $131,025
Strong outcomes ($103,167) with 77% acceptance rate
1.9% payment burden | Excellent
7.3% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $131,025 | 67 | $14,768 | Excellent | $42,501 | Good | |
| #2 | Cornell UniversityPrivate | $118,649 | 53 | $14,000 | Excellent | $38,000 | Good |
| #3 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $110,029 | 33 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Good |
| #4 | $103,477 | 48 | $14,000 | Excellent | $25,072 | Excellent | |
| #5 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $103,167 | 20 | $21,221 | Excellent | $28,923 | Good |
| #6 | Whitworth UniversityPrivate | $99,842 | 16 | $25,000 | Excellent | $35,875 | Good |
| #7 | College Of The Holy CrossPrivate | $99,165 | 17 | $27,000 | Excellent | $39,032 | Manageable |
| #8 | Le Moyne CollegePrivate | $99,009 | 8 | $23,000 | Excellent | $33,751 | Good |
| #9 | $96,805 | 51 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Good | |
| #10 | $96,215 | 89 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Excellent | |
| #11 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $96,138 | 22 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,142 | Good |
| #12 | $96,043 | 99 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Good | |
| #13 | $95,018 | 53 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Good | |
| #14 | $94,543 | 65 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Good | |
| #15 | $92,826 | 49 | $17,804 | Excellent | $32,258 | Good | |
| #16 | $92,746 | 51 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,325 | Manageable | |
| #17 | $92,293 | 63 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Good | |
| #18 | $91,438 | 15 | $23,704 | Excellent | $18,400 | Good | |
| #19 | $90,900 | 71 | $19,000 | Excellent | $35,200 | Good | |
| #20 | Towson UniversityPublic | $90,457 | 13 | $18,718 | Excellent | $28,489 | Good |
| #21 | $89,944 | 16 | $21,500 | Excellent | $19,809 | Good | |
| #22 | $89,685 | 31 | $18,750 | Excellent | $10,771 | Excellent | |
| #23 | Willamette UniversityPrivate | $89,506 | 11 | $21,500 | Excellent | $36,571 | Manageable |
| #24 | $89,430 | 7 | $27,000 | Excellent | $24,356 | Good | |
| #25 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $88,207 | 43 | $19,620 | Excellent | $30,126 | Good |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
