Best Physics Degrees in the US by ROI
Top colleges ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment across all active states. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs Analyzed
7
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
+$1,284,150
Across all programs
Average Annual Cost
$31,215
Cost of attendance
| # | College | State | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of California-Irvine
Grad rate: 86.3% |
CA | +$1,840,036 | $141,226 | $36,121 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
University of Arizona
Grad rate: 66.9% |
AZ | +$1,589,668 | $127,192 | $28,543 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
University of California-San Diego
Grad rate: 87.7% |
CA | +$1,501,220 | $124,326 | $36,325 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
The University of Texas at Austin
Grad rate: 87.7% |
TX | +$1,295,352 | $112,736 | $29,842 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Grad rate: 87.9% |
OH | +$1,187,100 | $107,219 | $29,320 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
University of Maryland-College Park
Grad rate: 88.9% |
MD | +$904,308 | $92,830 | $28,073 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Grad rate: 84.0% |
WA | +$671,372 | $81,625 | $30,282 | N/A | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost − Debt Payoff (×1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20). Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Physics Degrees by State
Browse Physics programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.