Physics is the study of the natural world. It helps us understand how things move and interact. If you’re interested in learning about the universe and its mysteries, studying physics might be a good choice for you. Here are the 40 best colleges for studying physics in 2024. Best Colleges for Physics listing includes details like GPA requirements, median SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and salary information. We also cover professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.
40 Best Colleges for Physics
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1530
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary for physics graduates is $70,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and education. Many pursue advanced degrees or careers in engineering, data science, and academia.
Academic Highlights: MIT’s physics program is highly respected. It offers research opportunities and access to advanced labs. Students learn from leading physicists and gain hands-on experience.
2. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1540
Median ACT: 35
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Admission Requirements: Excellent GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $72,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in scientific research, technology, and academia. They are well-prepared for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: Caltech offers a rigorous physics program with a strong emphasis on research. Students work closely with faculty on cutting-edge projects.
3. Harvard University
GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1520
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $68,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse fields like research, technology, and education. Many pursue graduate studies in physics or related disciplines.
Academic Highlights: Harvard offers a broad physics curriculum. Students can specialize in areas like astrophysics, quantum mechanics, and theoretical physics.
4. Stanford University
GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $70,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and finance. They are equipped with skills for careers in engineering, data analysis, and academia.
Academic Highlights: Stanford’s physics program is known for its research opportunities. Students engage in hands-on learning and can participate in projects with faculty.
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5. Princeton University
GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $68,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in research, technology, and academia. They are well-prepared for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: Princeton offers a strong physics program with a focus on both theoretical and experimental physics. Students have access to modern labs and research opportunities.
6. University of Chicago
GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1520
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $69,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and education. Many pursue advanced degrees or careers in engineering and data science.
Academic Highlights: The University of Chicago offers a rigorous physics program. Students engage in research and learn from leading experts in the field.
7. Columbia University
GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1510
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $68,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various fields, including research, technology, and finance. They are well-prepared for advanced studies in physics and related areas.
Academic Highlights: Columbia offers a comprehensive physics curriculum. Students have access to advanced labs and research opportunities in various areas of physics.
8. University of California, Berkeley
GPA Requirement: 3.9
Median SAT: 1480
Median ACT: 33
Acceptance Rate: 17%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $67,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in research, technology, and academia. They are well-equipped for careers in engineering, data science, and education.
Academic Highlights: UC Berkeley offers a top-ranked physics program. Students engage in research and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
9. Cornell University
GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1500
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $68,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and education. Many pursue advanced degrees in physics or related fields.
Academic Highlights: Cornell offers a strong physics program with a focus on both theoretical and experimental physics. Students have access to cutting-edge labs and research projects.
10. University of California, Santa Barbara
GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 30%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $66,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in research, technology, and academia. They are well-prepared for careers in engineering, data science, and education.
Academic Highlights: UCSB offers a strong physics program with opportunities for research and hands-on learning. Students learn from experienced faculty and participate in advanced projects.
11. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 59%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various fields, including research, technology, and finance. They are well-equipped for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: UIUC offers a comprehensive physics program. Students have access to modern labs and research opportunities in areas like condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics.
12. University of California, San Diego
GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 30%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $66,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and education. Many pursue advanced degrees or careers in engineering and data science.
Academic Highlights: UC San Diego offers a strong physics program with a focus on both theoretical and experimental physics. Students gain hands-on experience in modern labs.
13. University of Michigan
GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 26%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $67,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in research, technology, and academia. They are well-prepared for careers in engineering, data science, and education.
Academic Highlights: The University of Michigan offers a top-ranked physics program. Students engage in research and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
14. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 14%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $67,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and education. Many pursue advanced degrees or careers in physics and related fields.
Academic Highlights: UCLA offers a comprehensive physics program. Students have access to cutting-edge labs and research opportunities in various areas of physics.
15. University of Washington
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 56%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and academia. They are well-equipped for careers in engineering, data science, and education.
Academic Highlights: The University of Washington offers a strong physics program with a focus on both theoretical and experimental physics. Students gain hands-on experience in modern labs.
16. University of Wisconsin-Madison
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in research, technology, and academia. They are well-prepared for careers in engineering, data science, and education.
Academic Highlights: UW-Madison offers a top-ranked physics program. Students engage in research and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
17. University of Maryland, College Park
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 47%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $66,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and education. Many pursue advanced degrees or careers in physics and related fields.
Academic Highlights: The University of Maryland offers a comprehensive physics program. Students have access to cutting-edge labs and research opportunities in various areas of physics.
18. University of Texas at Austin
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various fields, including research, technology, and finance. They are well-equipped for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: UT Austin offers a strong physics program. Students have access to modern labs and research opportunities in areas like condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics.
19. University of Colorado Boulder
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and education. Many pursue advanced degrees or careers in engineering and data science.
Academic Highlights: The University of Colorado Boulder offers a strong physics program with a focus on both theoretical and experimental physics. Students gain hands-on experience in modern labs.
20. University of California, Irvine
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in research, technology, and academia. They are well-prepared for careers in engineering, data science, and education.
Academic Highlights: UC Irvine offers a top-ranked physics program. Students engage in research and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
21. Ohio State University
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1420
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various fields, including research, technology, and finance. They are well-equipped for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: Ohio State offers a comprehensive physics program. Students have access to modern labs and research opportunities in areas like condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics.
22. University of Pennsylvania
GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1510
Median ACT: 34
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Admission Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $68,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in research, technology, and academia. They are well-prepared for careers in engineering, data science, and education.
Academic Highlights: The University of Pennsylvania offers a strong physics program. Students engage in research and have access to cutting-edge labs and facilities.
23. University of Minnesota
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various fields, including research, technology, and finance. They are well-equipped for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive physics program. Students have access to modern labs and research opportunities in areas like condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics.
24. University of Florida
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in research, technology, and academia. They are well-prepared for careers in engineering, data science, and education.
Academic Highlights: The University of Florida offers a strong physics program. Students engage in research and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
25. University of Arizona
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various fields, including research, technology, and finance. They are well-equipped for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: The University of Arizona offers a comprehensive physics program. Students have access to modern labs and research opportunities in areas like condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics.
26. University of Rochester
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 29%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in research, technology, and academia. They are well-prepared for careers in engineering, data science, and education.
Academic Highlights: The University of Rochester offers a strong physics program. Students engage in research and have access to cutting-edge labs and facilities.
27. University of Southern California (USC)
GPA Requirement: 3.8
Median SAT: 1450
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 13%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various fields, including research, technology, and finance. They are well-equipped for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: USC offers a comprehensive physics program. Students have access to modern labs and research opportunities in areas like condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics.
28. Purdue University
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in research, technology, and academia. They are well-prepared for careers in engineering, data science, and education.
Academic Highlights: Purdue offers a strong physics program. Students engage in research and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
29. Pennsylvania State University
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various fields, including research, technology, and finance. They are well-equipped for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: Penn State offers a comprehensive physics program. Students have access to modern labs and research opportunities in areas like condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics.
30. University of Virginia
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates often work in research, technology, and academia. They are well-prepared for careers in engineering, data science, and education.
Academic Highlights: The University of Virginia offers a strong physics program. Students engage in research and have access to cutting-edge labs and facilities.
31. University of California, Davis
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and academia. They are well-prepared for careers in engineering, data science, and education.
Academic Highlights: UC Davis offers a top-ranked physics program. Students engage in research and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
32. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
GPA Requirement: 3.7
Median SAT: 1440
Median ACT: 32
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $65,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various fields, including research, technology, and finance. They are well-equipped for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: UNC offers a comprehensive physics program. Students have access to modern labs and research opportunities in areas like condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics.
33. Texas A&M University
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various fields, including research, technology, and finance. They are well-equipped for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: Texas A&M offers a strong physics program. Students engage in research and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.
34. University of California, Riverside
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1420
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and education. Many pursue advanced degrees or careers in engineering and data science.
Academic Highlights: UC Riverside offers a strong physics program with a focus on both theoretical and experimental physics. Students gain hands-on experience in modern labs.
35. Michigan State University
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various fields, including research, technology, and finance. They are well-equipped for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: Michigan State offers a comprehensive physics program. Students have access to modern labs and research opportunities in areas like condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics.
36. University of Connecticut
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and education. Many pursue advanced degrees or careers in engineering and data science.
Academic Highlights: UConn offers a strong physics program with a focus on both theoretical and experimental physics. Students gain hands-on experience in modern labs.
37. University of Iowa
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1420
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various fields, including research, technology, and finance. They are well-equipped for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: The University of Iowa offers a comprehensive physics program. Students have access to modern labs and research opportunities in areas like condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics.
38. University of Utah
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1420
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 62%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and education. Many pursue advanced degrees or careers in engineering and data science.
Academic Highlights: The University of Utah offers a strong physics program with a focus on both theoretical and experimental physics. Students gain hands-on experience in modern labs.
39. University of Delaware
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various fields, including research, technology, and finance. They are well-equipped for advanced studies and specialized careers.
Academic Highlights: The University of Delaware offers a comprehensive physics program. Students have access to modern labs and research opportunities in areas like condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics.
40. University of Massachusetts Amherst
GPA Requirement: 3.6
Median SAT: 1430
Median ACT: 31
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Admission Requirements: Good GPA, SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendations.
Salary: Average starting salary is $64,000.
Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in research, technology, and education. Many pursue advanced degrees or careers in engineering and data science.
Academic Highlights: UMass Amherst offers a strong physics program with a focus on both theoretical and experimental physics. Students gain hands-on experience in modern labs.
Best Physics Universities – Conclusion
Choosing the right college for studying physics is important. These 40 Best Physics Universities offer excellent programs with strong academics and opportunities for research. They provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in various fields. Graduates from these programs often work in research, academia, and technology, and they are known for their analytical and problem-solving abilities. When selecting a college, consider factors like GPA requirements, SAT/ACT scores, acceptance rates, and the specific strengths of the physics program. This will help you find the best fit for your educational and career goals. Remember, studying physics opens doors to many exciting opportunities in science and technology.