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Best Value Physics Colleges in Texas

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

Rice University stands out among Texas physics programs with a remarkable 95.70% graduation rate despite a highly selective 8.68% acceptance rate, while students pay just $12,640 net annually. The University of Texas at Dallas graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $57,318, making their $17,435 net cost particularly attractive for future physicists. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with UT Rio Grande Valley offering the lowest net cost at $6,500. Texas physics graduates enter a state economy powered by major research institutions and the world's largest medical complex in Houston, where medical physics and research physics roles support modern healthcare technology. The earnings gap between programs spans over $31,000, from University of North Texas graduates at $25,967 to UT Dallas graduates at $57,318. Private institutions like Rice offer strong value through generous financial aid, bringing net costs below many public options. Texas public universities benefit from strong state funding, keeping in-state tuition reasonable across the board. Physics graduates find opportunities in the state's expanding tech sector, energy research facilities, and medical device companies throughout the Houston and Austin metropolitan areas.
40
Programs
$5,458 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$44,334
Avg. Program Earnings
57.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

40 Physics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,235 $54,713 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
2 $17,435 $57,318 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
3 $16,438 $38,289 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
4 $19,678 $45,383 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
5 $14,352 $25,967 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
6 $21,352 $36,242 58.8% 86.2%
7 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
8 $41,778 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
9 $27,468 $51,058 69.3% 44.8%
10 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
11 $20,261 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
12 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
13 $20,924 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
14 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
15 $33,531 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
16 $22,587 $34,920 55.2% 91.8%
17 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
18 $19,734 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
19 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
20 $23,650 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
21 $20,841 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
22 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
23 $12,915 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
24 $23,451 $46,500 69.5% 54.4%
25 $41,942 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
26 $15,137 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
27 $25,470 $50,880 68.0% 58.7%
28 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
29 $21,031 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
30 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
31 $11,056 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
32 $27,401 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%
33 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
34 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
35 $11,882 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
36 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
37 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
38 $14,041 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
39 $12,640 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
40 $18,762 $33,660 68.6% 96.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UT Dallas physics graduates earn $57,318 compared to $25,967 at University of North Texas?

UT Dallas physics graduates benefit from the school's strong connections to the Dallas tech corridor and research partnerships with local companies. The program emphasizes applied physics and engineering applications that align with high-paying industry roles. The 70.80% graduation rate indicates strong student support systems that help students complete their degrees and secure better positions upon graduation.

How does Rice University justify its $12,640 net cost with such a low acceptance rate?

Rice University accepts only 8.68% of applicants but provides substantial financial aid that reduces costs below many public universities. The 95.70% graduation rate reflects strong student support and academic quality. Rice's location in Houston provides access to research opportunities at the Texas Medical Center and NASA Johnson Space Center, creating valuable career connections.

Is the $6,500 net cost at UT Rio Grande Valley too good to be true?

UT Rio Grande Valley's low net cost reflects both affordable base tuition and significant financial aid for the student population. The 49.30% graduation rate is lower than other programs, but the school serves many first-generation college students in South Texas. Students who complete the program enter the job market with minimal debt, making the investment worthwhile despite lower completion rates.

Does student debt vary significantly between Texas physics programs?

Student debt ranges from $17,750 at University of North Texas to $25,454 at University of Houston, with most programs keeping debt under $23,000. UT Austin and UT Dallas both maintain debt at $19,500-$20,500 despite different net costs. Private universities like Rice often result in lower debt due to generous financial aid packages that reduce borrowing needs.

Where do Texas physics graduates find the best career opportunities?

Houston's Texas Medical Center employs medical physicists and researchers working on cancer treatment and diagnostic imaging technology. Austin's tech sector and research facilities provide opportunities in semiconductor physics and materials science. The state's energy sector, including renewable energy research, creates demand for physics graduates in both traditional and emerging energy technologies.

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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.