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Cheapest Physics Colleges in Michigan

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

University of Michigan-Dearborn delivers the state's most affordable physics education at just $10,904 net cost, while its Ann Arbor counterpart commands $14,832 despite a 93.20% graduation rate that towers above all competitors. This $3,928 gap between campuses reflects Michigan's tiered public university system, where regional branches offer significant savings without sacrificing academic quality. Physics graduates entering Michigan's evolving job market find opportunities beyond traditional automotive research, as companies like Ford invest heavily in electric vehicle technology and battery science. The state's 15 physics programs span from $10,904 to $24,663, with public universities dominating the affordable end while private institutions like Kalamazoo College push costs toward $58,764. Michigan's Achievement Scholarship provides up to $5,500 for in-state students, making already reasonable public tuition even more accessible for physics majors who will support the state's transition from combustion engines to clean energy systems.
24
Programs
$10,904 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$43,050
Avg. Program Earnings
64.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Physics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
2 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
3 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
4 $14,582 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
5 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
6 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
7 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
8 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
9 $16,882 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%
10 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
11 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
12 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
13 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
14 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
15 $18,873 $58,764 81.7% 79.3%
16 $18,902 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
17 $20,751 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
18 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
19 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
20 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
21 $24,783 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
22 $25,749 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
23 $33,092 $46,380 70.5% 80.8%
24 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Michigan-Dearborn's physics program such a bargain?

At $10,904 net cost, UM-Dearborn offers the same University of Michigan physics foundation as Ann Arbor but saves students nearly $4,000 annually. The campus maintains a solid 56.60% graduation rate with 54.10% acceptance rate, providing accessible entry to Michigan's flagship university system. Students benefit from proximity to Detroit's automotive research facilities while paying significantly less than the main campus.

How do Michigan's public physics programs compare to private options?

Public universities dominate Michigan's affordable physics market, with 11 of the 15 cheapest programs coming from state institutions. While private Albion College costs $16,882 net, most public options like Oakland University ($13,584) and Wayne State ($14,773) offer comparable physics education at lower prices. The $47,000+ price gap between public and private highlights Michigan's strong state university investment.

Does Michigan Technological University justify its higher cost among public schools?

Michigan Tech's $15,729 net cost reflects its engineering focus and produces a strong 68.70% graduation rate, well above most state universities. The Houghton campus accepts 93.68% of applicants while maintaining rigorous physics standards that prepare students for Michigan's technical industries. Its location in the Upper Peninsula offers unique research opportunities in materials science and mining applications.

What job prospects await physics graduates in Michigan?

Michigan physics graduates earn between $33,993 and $52,107, with opportunities spanning automotive research, renewable energy development, and medical device manufacturing. Ford's $50 billion electric vehicle investment creates demand for battery physicists and materials scientists. The state's transition from traditional manufacturing to clean technology opens new career paths beyond Detroit's Big Three automakers.

Is Wayne State University worth considering for physics studies?

Wayne State's $14,773 net cost positions it as Michigan's fifth most affordable physics option while serving Detroit's varied student population. The university maintains a 56.50% graduation rate with 75.32% acceptance rate, offering accessible physics education in the state's largest city. Its urban location provides internship opportunities with automotive suppliers and emerging tech companies throughout metro Detroit.

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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.