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Cheapest Engineering Physics Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

CUNY New York City College of Technology delivers Engineering Physics education for just $4,783 net cost, creating one of the nation's most accessible pathways into this demanding field. The $9,749 gap between this Brooklyn institution and the second-cheapest option at Texas Southmost College reflects how geography shapes affordability in technical education. Engineering Physics graduates typically enter industries concentrated in the Northeast corridor, where defense contractors, research laboratories, and technology firms seek professionals who bridge theoretical physics with practical engineering applications. Murray State University graduates command the highest starting salaries at $47,260, demonstrating that affordable programs can still connect students to well-paying careers. The 19.4% graduation rate at NYC College of Technology contrasts sharply with UC San Diego's 87.6%, highlighting how different institutions serve distinct student populations within the same major.
50
Programs
$4,783 – $18,436
Net Price Range
$54,307
Avg. Program Earnings
57.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Engineering Physics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
2 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
3 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
4 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
5 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
6 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
7 $9,899 $4,940 53.0% 56.0%
8 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
9 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
10 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
11 $11,800 $7,513 37.2% 99.5%
12 $12,171 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
13 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
14 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
15 $13,339 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
16 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
17 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
18 $14,059 $17,472 56.9% 92.2%
19 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
20 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
21 $14,542 $8,295 34.7% 76.8%
22 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
23 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
24 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
25 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
26 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
27 $15,015 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
28 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
29 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
30 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
31 $15,402 $8,994 62.4% 85.6%
32 $15,725 $37,760 60.5% 93.5%
33 $15,745 $10,314 38.7% 54.9%
34 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
35 $16,775 $10,118 53.3% 91.2%
36 $16,928 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
37 $16,929 $7,885 38.0% 70.7%
38 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
39 $17,365 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
40 $17,413 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
41 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
42 $17,781 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
43 $17,816 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
44 $18,045 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
45 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
46 $18,148 $33,494 49.5% 96.4%
47 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
48 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
49 $18,406 $30,034 69.9% 84.6%
50 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY NYC College of Technology so affordable for Engineering Physics?

The $4,783 net cost reflects New York's substantial investment in public higher education and the college's focus on serving working-class students in technical fields. As part of the CUNY system, the institution receives significant state funding that keeps costs low. The Brooklyn location provides access to internships and co-ops with local engineering firms. However, the 19.4% graduation rate suggests students often balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing their degrees.

How do earnings compare across these affordable Engineering Physics programs?

Murray State University graduates earn $47,260 annually, the highest among schools reporting salary data, despite the program's $9,121 net cost. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley graduates start at $42,682, reflecting the regional job market along the Texas-Mexico border. Texas Southmost College graduates earn $45,529, showing that community college transfer pathways can lead to solid middle-class incomes. The $4,578 earnings spread demonstrates how local industry concentrations affect graduate outcomes.

Is UC San Diego worth the higher cost among these affordable options?

UC San Diego's $11,750 net cost represents significant value given its 87.6% graduation rate and 23.7% acceptance rate. The La Jolla campus provides access to major research facilities and proximity to San Diego's aerospace and biotech industries. Students benefit from faculty conducting modern research in areas like quantum physics and materials science. The higher selectivity often correlates with better student outcomes and stronger alumni networks in technical fields.

Does program type affect affordability in Engineering Physics education?

Public institutions dominate the affordable range, with 13 of the 15 schools being state-funded universities. Christian Brothers University and Augustana College represent private options at $10,896 and $12,437 respectively, still maintaining reasonable costs through institutional aid. Private schools often provide smaller class sizes and more individualized attention. However, public universities typically offer better laboratory facilities and research opportunities due to state funding and federal grant access.

Where do regional differences matter most for affordable Engineering Physics programs?

Texas schools like UT Rio Grande Valley and Texas Southmost College benefit from the state's energy sector and aerospace industry presence. New Mexico State University connects students to national laboratories like Los Alamos and Sandia. Florida Polytechnic University serves the state's growing space industry and defense contractors. Regional job markets significantly influence both program costs and graduate earning potential, with energy-rich states often providing better career prospects.

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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.