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Cheapest Physics Colleges in Ohio

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

Ohio's public university system creates a dramatic cost advantage for Physics students, with Ohio University's regional campuses offering net prices as low as $4,503 compared to private options reaching $44,602. The state's five Ohio University branches dominate the most affordable tier, though their graduation rates between 12% and 20% present a stark contrast to Ohio State's 87.7% rate at $18,292 net cost. Physics graduates in Ohio enter a strong job market supported by Cleveland Clinic's medical physics programs, Honda's research facilities, and the state's growing tech sector. The $13,789 gap between the cheapest public option and Ohio State reflects different educational pathways, with regional campuses serving as stepping stones while full universities offer direct research opportunities. Manufacturing giants and healthcare systems across Ohio actively recruit physics graduates for roles in quality control, medical imaging, and product development.
37
Programs
$4,503 – $39,184
Net Price Range
$47,260
Avg. Program Earnings
59.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Physics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
4 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
5 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
6 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
7 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
8 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
9 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
10 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
11 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
12 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
13 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
14 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
15 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
16 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
17 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
18 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
19 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
20 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
21 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
22 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
23 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
24 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
25 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
26 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
27 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
28 $25,766 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
29 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
30 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
31 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
32 $29,383 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
33 $31,236 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
34 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
35 $38,111 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
36 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
37 $39,184 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Ohio's cheapest and most expensive Physics programs?

Ohio University's regional campuses offer Physics coursework for as little as $4,503 net cost, while private institutions like Wittenberg University charge $19,470 net. The regional campuses operate as commuter schools with lower overhead costs and often serve as transfer pathways. Private colleges include residential life, smaller class sizes, and additional support services that increase the total cost of attendance.

How do graduation rates correlate with costs at Ohio's Physics programs?

Ohio University's regional campuses show graduation rates between 12% and 20% despite their low costs, while Ohio State achieves 87.7% at $18,292 net price. Youngstown State offers a middle ground with 52.9% graduation rate at $11,877 net cost. The pattern suggests that higher-cost programs often provide more full student support systems and research opportunities that help students complete their degrees.

Where do Physics graduates find employment opportunities in Ohio?

Ohio's healthcare sector employs medical physicists at Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, while Honda's research facilities hire graduates for automotive engineering applications. Manufacturing companies throughout the state need physicists for quality control and materials testing. The average starting salary of $47,260 reflects opportunities in both traditional physics roles and applied positions in Ohio's industrial base.

Is Ohio State worth the higher cost compared to regional alternatives?

Ohio State's $18,292 net cost delivers an 87.7% graduation rate and access to major research facilities, compared to regional campuses charging $4,503-$6,483 with graduation rates below 21%. Ohio State students gain direct access to particle accelerators, astronomy observatories, and industry partnerships. The higher cost reflects full laboratory facilities and faculty research opportunities unavailable at smaller campuses.

Does financial aid help reduce costs at Ohio's private Physics programs?

Private schools like Bluffton University list $36,298 sticker prices but offer $17,430 net costs through institutional aid, creating savings of nearly $19,000. Marietta College reduces its $38,974 published cost to $18,372 net price through similar aid packages. However, these private options still cost significantly more than Ohio's public universities, which already offer in-state tuition below $13,000 at most campuses.

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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.