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Physics Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

A striking cost divide emerges among affordable Physics programs, with CUNY Hunter College offering strong value at $2,446 net cost while Berea College reaches $4,483 despite its private status. The City University of New York system dominates affordable physics education, claiming eight of the top positions and demonstrating how public university networks can deliver quality science education at minimal cost. Physics graduates enter a national job market where government laboratories, aerospace companies, and energy firms actively recruit from these budget-friendly programs. California State University campuses provide West Coast alternatives, with Fullerton achieving a 69.2% graduation rate at $5,646 net cost. These programs prepare students for careers in research institutions, national laboratories, and private industry, where starting salaries often exceed $60,000 annually. The variation in graduation rates, from CUNY New York City College of Technology's 19.4% to Fullerton's 69.2%, reflects different institutional approaches to physics education and student support systems.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $9,918
Net Price Range
$31,390
Avg. Program Earnings
47.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Physics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
4 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
5 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
6 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
7 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
8 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
9 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
10 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
11 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
12 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
13 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
14 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
15 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
16 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
17 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
18 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
19 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
20 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
21 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
22 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
23 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
24 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
25 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
26 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
27 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
28 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
29 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
30 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
31 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
32 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
33 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
34 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
35 $8,265 $9,058 56.4% 74.4%
36 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
37 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
38 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
39 $8,463 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
40 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
41 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
42 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
43 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
44 $9,110 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
45 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
46 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
47 $9,287 $8,032 32.7% 70.1%
48 $9,634 $8,640 36.7%
49 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
50 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Hunter College the most affordable Physics program in the country?

CUNY Hunter College achieves a net cost of just $2,446 for Physics students, nearly $500 less than any other program on this list. The college maintains a 47.86% acceptance rate while delivering a 61% graduation rate, indicating selective admission standards combined with strong student support. Hunter College benefits from New York State funding and the CUNY system's economies of scale. The Manhattan location provides access to research opportunities at nearby institutions and internships with financial firms that employ physics graduates.

How do California State University Physics programs compare to CUNY options?

California State University campuses typically cost $1,200 to $3,200 more than comparable CUNY programs, with CSU Fullerton at $5,646 and CSU Los Angeles at $4,113. However, CSU Fullerton achieves a 69.2% graduation rate, significantly higher than most CUNY programs. CSU Dominguez Hills offers the lowest cost among California options at $3,659 but maintains an 89.13% acceptance rate. The California programs provide access to aerospace and technology companies concentrated in Southern California.

Is Berea College worth the higher cost for Physics students?

Berea College costs $4,483 net but operates as a work college where all students receive full tuition scholarships and work on campus to cover expenses. The 24.58% acceptance rate makes it the most selective school on this list, while the 62% graduation rate ranks second only to CSU Fullerton. Berea's unique model provides intensive mentoring and research opportunities typically found at expensive private colleges. The Kentucky location offers access to government research facilities and energy sector employers.

What explains the wide variation in graduation rates among these programs?

Graduation rates range from 19.3% at Ohio University Southern Campus to 69.2% at CSU Fullerton, reflecting different institutional missions and student populations. Community colleges and branch campuses like Texas Southmost College (26.8%) and CUNY NYC College of Technology (19.4%) often serve part-time and transfer students who may complete degrees elsewhere. Four-year full universities like Hunter College (61%) and Queens College (60.2%) typically show higher completion rates. Physics programs require strong mathematical preparation, and schools with better academic support systems achieve higher graduation rates.

Where do graduates from these affordable Physics programs typically find employment?

Physics graduates from these programs enter varied career paths including government laboratories, aerospace companies, financial firms, and technology companies. New York-based CUNY graduates often work for financial firms that value quantitative skills, with starting salaries around $65,000 in Manhattan. California State University graduates frequently join aerospace companies like SpaceX, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin in Southern California. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees, with affordable undergraduate programs providing a cost-effective foundation for doctoral studies.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.