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Best Value Physics Colleges in California

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

California State University-Dominguez Hills stands out with the lowest net cost for Physics at just $3,659, while UC Berkeley graduates earn $41,193 annually despite having one of the highest graduation rates at 92.90%. The state's $3 trillion economy creates strong demand for Physics graduates across aerospace giants like SpaceX and tech companies throughout Silicon Valley. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo delivers the highest early-career earnings at $61,516, though its 30.43% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Most California State University campuses maintain acceptance rates above 90%, offering accessible pathways into Physics careers. UC schools typically charge around $15,000 in net costs while providing top-tier research opportunities. The Cal Grant program helps qualifying students cover tuition costs, making these programs more affordable than sticker prices suggest. Physics graduates find opportunities in quantum computing startups, renewable energy companies, and traditional aerospace firms that call California home.
50
Programs
$3,659 – $50,959
Net Price Range
$44,470
Avg. Program Earnings
71.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Physics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,550 $57,318 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
2 $11,580 $50,022 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
3 $15,624 $61,516 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
4 $8,931 $35,060 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
5 $11,750 $44,971 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
6 $13,825 $52,107 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
7 $14,979 $41,193 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
8 $13,707 $33,993 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
9 $14,013 $33,993 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
10 $15,288 $34,526 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
11 $16,607 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
12 $26,217 $35,910 68.1% 91.9%
13 $45,723 $58,974 79.8% 41.3%
14 $39,329 $63,446 85.1% 39.4%
15 $20,979 $35,214 51.5% 48.5%
16 $26,925 $47,000 65.4% 73.5%
17 $25,926 $55,340 67.8% 93.2%
18 $45,409 $66,742 84.7% 48.7%
19 $31,663 $62,692 83.2% 18.4%
20 $50,168 $43,550 73.8% 81.9%
21 $19,424 $62,326 93.2% 7.0%
22 $22,867 $57,614 70.7% 81.9%
23 $16,174 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
24 $31,265 $56,444 81.6% 52.6%
25 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
26 $12,744 $14,167 69.1% 89.5%
27 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
28 $50,959 $59,241 88.5% 52.1%
29 $38,802 $63,434 87.1% 27.9%
30 $31,198 $56,134 69.0% 87.9%
31 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
32 $28,101 $46,704 68.8% 56.6%
33 $18,902 $63,255 93.2% 2.7%
34 $26,433 $50,670 74.0% 87.2%
35 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
36 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
37 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
38 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
39 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
40 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
41 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
42 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
43 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
44 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
45 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
46 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
47 $19,798 $43,600 64.4% 87.0%
48 $47,527 $62,784 80.4% 72.5%
49 $28,046 $41,390 62.5% 69.0%
50 $27,384 $64,150 95.2% 10.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cal Poly San Luis Obispo worth its $15,624 net cost for Physics?

Cal Poly SLO graduates earn $61,516 annually, the highest among all California Physics programs in this analysis. The school maintains an 85.20% graduation rate while accepting only 30.43% of applicants. Students graduate with $23,886 in debt but see strong returns on investment through hands-on learning and industry connections.

How do UC schools compare to Cal State universities for Physics value?

UC schools charge net costs between $11,750 and $15,288, while most Cal State campuses cost under $11,000. However, UC graduation rates average around 85%, compared to Cal State rates of 45% to 70%. UC Berkeley and UCLA maintain graduation rates above 92% but have acceptance rates below 12%.

Is UC San Diego a good value despite its $11,750 net cost?

UC San Diego graduates earn $44,971 annually with only $18,000 in student debt and an 87.60% graduation rate. The school accepts 23.71% of applicants and benefits from proximity to biotech companies and research institutions. Its location in La Jolla provides access to major scientific employers throughout San Diego County.

Does Cal Grant assistance make these programs more affordable?

California's Cal Grant program covers full tuition for qualifying students at public universities, significantly reducing actual costs below published prices. Students with family incomes under $80,000 often pay only fees and living expenses. This makes even UC schools accessible, with many paying far less than the $15,000 average net costs shown.

Where do California Physics graduates find the best job opportunities?

Silicon Valley tech companies, aerospace firms like SpaceX and Northrop Grumman, and renewable energy companies actively recruit Physics graduates. The state's $3 trillion economy includes quantum computing startups, national laboratories, and entertainment industry technical roles. Early-career salaries range from $33,993 to $61,516 depending on location and employer type.

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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.