Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees

Badge for BEST FOR PHYSICS LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

The best physics liberal arts colleges are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best physics degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding physics faculty.

Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges Physics Programs

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  1. Swarthmore College
  2. Williams College
  3. Amherst College
  4. Wellesley College
  5. Pomona College
  6. Wesleyan University
  7. Harvey Mudd College
  8. Bowdoin College
  9. Middlebury College
  10. Barnard College
  1. Wesleyan University
  2. Amherst College
  3. United States Military Academy
  4. Oberlin College
  5. Williams College
  6. Swarthmore College
  7. Wellesley College
  8. Vassar College
  9. Barnard College
  10. United States Naval Academy
  1. Manchester University 76%
  2. Reed College 44%
  3. Kenyon College 37%
  4. Oberlin College 34%
  5. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 33%
  6. Vassar College 20%
  7. Wesleyan University 19%
  8. Davidson College 18%
  9. Carleton College 18%
  10. Haverford College 18%
  1. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 21 to 1
  2. Manchester University 15 to 1
  3. Bates College 10 to 1
  4. Reed College 9 to 1
  5. Kenyon College 9 to 1
  6. Colgate University 9 to 1
  7. Davidson College 9 to 1
  8. Oberlin College 9 to 1
  9. Barnard College 9 to 1
  10. Bowdoin College 8 to 1
  1. Kenyon College $63,310
  2. Vassar College $62,870
  3. Reed College $62,730
  4. Wesleyan University $62,049
  5. Colgate University $61,966
  6. Haverford College $61,210
  7. Amherst College $61,150
  8. Wellesley College $60,752
  9. Harvey Mudd College $60,703
  10. Oberlin College $60,240
  1. Claremont McKenna College $64,288
  2. Vassar College $61,940
  3. Colgate University $61,594
  4. Wesleyan University $61,449
  5. Williams College $59,728
  6. Oberlin College $29,692
  7. Manchester University $23,100
  8. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo $7,176
  1. Bates College
  2. Oberlin College
  3. Carleton College
  4. Vassar College
  5. United States Air Force Academy
  6. Reed College
  7. Manchester University
  8. Kenyon College
  9. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  10. Haverford College
  1. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  2. Manchester University
  3. Claremont McKenna College
  4. Davidson College
  5. Harvey Mudd College
  6. Kenyon College
  7. Bates College
  8. United States Air Force Academy
  9. Carleton College
  10. Middlebury College
  1. Pomona College 7%
  2. Swarthmore College 8%
  3. United States Naval Academy 8%
  4. Amherst College 9%
  5. Williams College 9%
  6. Bowdoin College 9%
  7. Harvey Mudd College 10%
  8. Claremont McKenna College 11%
  9. Barnard College 11%
  10. United States Military Academy 11%
  1. United States Air Force Academy 6 to 1
  2. Pomona College 6 to 1
  3. Williams College 6 to 1
  4. Amherst College 7 to 1
  5. Swarthmore College 7 to 1
  6. Wellesley College 7 to 1
  7. United States Military Academy 7 to 1
  8. Bowdoin College 8 to 1
  9. Carleton College 8 to 1
  10. Wesleyan University 8 to 1
  1. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo $5,742
  2. Manchester University $34,436
  3. Davidson College $55,200
  4. Swarthmore College $56,056
  5. Pomona College $56,686
  6. Claremont McKenna College $58,111
  7. Bowdoin College $58,322
  8. Bates College $59,062
  9. Williams College $59,660
  10. Barnard College $59,687
  1. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo $7,176
  2. Manchester University $23,100
  3. Oberlin College $29,692
  4. Williams College $59,728
  5. Wesleyan University $61,449
  6. Colgate University $61,594
  7. Vassar College $61,940
  8. Claremont McKenna College $64,288

A bachelor’s degree in physics is an excellent starting point for a career in engineering, alternative energy, space exploration, and a host of other exciting and rapidly innovating fields. As a physics major, you’ll study subjects such as calculus, mechanics, and thermodynamics. Your degree will incorporate a variety of branches within math and physics, including astrophysics, biophysics, and quantum physics. The best schools for physics are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of physics concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Physics Bachelor’s Degrees

Earning a bachelor’s degree in physics can open numerous professional doors, particularly in the field of engineering. A physics degree can help prepare you for work as an engineering technician, data scientist, or geologist. It’s also a great starting point if you plan to eventually pursue a license to be a professional engineer (PE), or if you intend to continue into an advanced degree program and become a research scientist, physicist, or astronomer. The best schools for physics will put you in a position to become an innovator and a leader in this exciting and challenging field.

Today, top influencers in physics are breaking new ground in Mathematical Physics, Quantum Field Theory, Theoretical Physics, and much more.

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Physics is a great major because it can serve as the starting point for a number of well-paying careers. For instance, physicists and astronomers earned a median of $122,220 per year in 2019; geoscientists earned a median salary of $92,040; and industrial engineers saw a median of $88,020 in the same year. A bachelor’s degree in physics gives you the chance to choose between these and a wide range of other pathways where salaries and the rate of job growth are much higher than the average for all professions.

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Once you’ve declared your major in physics, you will likely be required to complete a set of core courses in a number of STEM-related subject areas. While your concentration will give you a chance to choose from a wide range of highly-specialized physics electives, there are several common courses that most physics majors will be required to take, including:

  • Classical Mechanics
  • Modern Physics
  • Calculus
  • Mathematical Physics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Differential Equations
  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Waves and Optics
  • Statistical Physics
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Atomic Physics

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Earning a degree in physics can qualify you for a number of well-paying jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of jobs for physicists and astronomers is expected to grow at a rate of 5% by 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. For industrial engineers, that rate is even higher, at 10%. Depending on your concentration, a degree in physics could help you make the jump into one of these high-growth sectors. The following are among the most popular jobs for physics majors:

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If you think a research university may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best research universities for a bachelor’s in physics.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees

  1. #1

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1467/32

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Swarthmore College

    Cost of Degree: $59,328
    Expenses: $20,686
    Starting Salary: $62,478
    Salary after 4 years: $99,366
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Swarthmore College Physics Majors

    • Major and Minor Physics

    Source

  2. #2

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Williams College

    Cost of Degree: $61,770
    Expenses: $19,230
    Starting Salary: $80,151
    Salary after 4 years: $127,472
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Williams College Physics Majors

    • Physics
    • Astrophysics

    Source

  3. #3

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Amherst College

    Cost of Degree: $64,100
    Expenses: $19,550
    Starting Salary: $74,349
    Salary after 4 years: $118,246
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Amherst College Physics Majors

    • BS in Physics

    Source

  4. #4

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Wellesley College

    Cost of Degree: $61,920
    Expenses: $21,130
    Starting Salary: $64,085
    Salary after 4 years: $101,921
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Wellesley College Physics Majors

    • Physics
    • Interdisciplinary Option
    • Astrophysics
    • Chemical Physics

    Source

  5. #5

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Pomona College

    Cost of Degree: $59,238
    Expenses: $21,958
    Starting Salary: $68,994
    Salary after 4 years: $109,728
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Pomona College Physics Majors

    • Physics
    • Physics – Astronomy
    • Physics – Astrophysics

    Source

  6. #6

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $64,022
    Expenses: $20,850
    Starting Salary: $56,588
    Salary after 4 years: $89,997
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Wesleyan University Physics Major Tracks

    • Astrophysics
    • Biophysics
    • Chemical Physics
    • Econophysics
    • General Physics
    • Geophysics
    • Mathematical Physics

    Source

  7. #7

    Harvey Mudd College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Harvey Mudd College

    Cost of Degree: $62,817
    Expenses: $22,079
    Starting Salary: $93,003
    Salary after 4 years: $147,913
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Harvey Mudd College Physics Majors Options

    • Standard
    • Applied Physics
    • Astrophysics
    • Biophysics
    • Chemical Physics
    • Education
    • Geophysics
    • Mathematical Physics
    • Physics and Computers
    • Joint Mathematics-Physics Dual Degree

    Source

  8. #8

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Bowdoin College

    Cost of Degree: $61,528
    Expenses: $18,862
    Starting Salary: $74,349
    Salary after 4 years: $118,246
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Bowdoin College Physics Majors

    • Physics
    • Education Interdisciplinary Major

    Source

  9. #9

    Middlebury College

    Middlebury , VT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Middlebury College

    Cost of Degree: $62,460
    Expenses: $19,800
    Starting Salary: $64,174
    Salary after 4 years: $102,063
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Middlebury College Physics Majors

    • BS in Physics

    Source

  10. #10

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1434/32

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Barnard College

    Cost of Degree: $62,525
    Expenses: $21,884
    Starting Salary: $62,211
    Salary after 4 years: $98,940
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Barnard College Physics Majors

    • Physics
    • Astronomy
    • Astrophysics
    • Interdisciplinary Major options

    Source

  11. #11

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Claremont McKenna College

    Cost of Degree: $60,715
    Expenses: $21,412
    Starting Salary: $83,185
    Salary after 4 years: $132,299
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Claremont McKenna College Physics Majors

    • BS in Physics – emphasis on computational and numerical techniques

    Source

  12. Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/30

    United States Naval Academy Physics Majors

    • BS in Physics

    Source

  13. Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/30

    United States Military Academy Physics Majors

    • Advanced Physics
    • Nuclear Engineering
    • Space Science

    Source

  14. #14

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/31

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Colgate University

    Cost of Degree: $64,290
    Expenses: $19,360
    Starting Salary: $72,386
    Salary after 4 years: $115,123
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Colgate University Physics Majors

    • BS in Physics
    • Astrofeophysics
    • Astronomy

    Source

  15. #15

    Davidson College

    Davidson , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1380/31

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Davidson College

    Cost of Degree: $57,090
    Expenses: $18,525
    Starting Salary: $63,460
    Salary after 4 years: $100,927
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Davidson College Physics Majors

    Source

  16. #16

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Haverford College

    Cost of Degree: $63,348
    Expenses: $21,120
    Starting Salary: $67,030
    Salary after 4 years: $106,605
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Haverford College Physics Majors

    • Physics
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics

    Source

  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    33%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/29

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

    Cost of Degree: $10,319
    Expenses: $19,599
    Starting Salary: $63,246
    Salary after 4 years: $96,046
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo known for?

    California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Physics Majors

    • BS in Physics

    Source

  18. #18

    Kenyon College

    Gambier , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Kenyon College

    Cost of Degree: $66,490
    Expenses: $17,310
    Starting Salary: $48,644
    Salary after 4 years: $77,364
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Kenyon College Physics Majors

    Source

  19. #19

    Manchester University

    North Manchester , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Manchester University

    Cost of Degree: $35,772
    Expenses: $13,128
    Starting Salary: $38,915
    Salary after 4 years: $61,891
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Manchester University Physics Majors

    • Physics

    Source

  20. #20

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Reed College

    Cost of Degree: $64,760
    Expenses: $18,550
    Starting Salary: $47,037
    Salary after 4 years: $74,808
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Reed College Physics Majors

    • Physics

    Source

  21. #22

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Vassar College

    Cost of Degree: $64,800
    Expenses: $18,810
    Starting Salary: $54,892
    Salary after 4 years: $87,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Vassar College Physics Majors

    • BS in Physics

    Source

  22. #23

    Carleton College

    Northfield , MN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Carleton College

    Cost of Degree: $62,634
    Expenses: $18,716
    Starting Salary: $60,604
    Salary after 4 years: $96,385
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Carleton College Physics Majors

    • BS in Physics

    Source

  23. #24

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/30

    Career Outlook for Physics degree at Oberlin College

    Cost of Degree: $62,024
    Expenses: $22,206
    Starting Salary: $40,611
    Salary after 4 years: $64,588
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Oberlin College Physics Majors

    • Physics Major and Minor

    Source

Career Outlook for Students with Physics Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Physics

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,584
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,089
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $43,002
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $65,304
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 9 years
  • Job Growth: 1.41%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,195,900
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Physicists4.74%$144,964
Natural Sciences Managers4.87%$122,066
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary3.70%$90,850
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education1.03%$61,619

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$66,591$113,348$167,330

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 North Carolina11% higher than average$133,162
#3 Missouri16% higher than average$120,559
#4 Pennsylvania5% higher than average$133,969
#5 New York5% higher than average$145,155
#6 Wisconsin7% higher than average$129,025

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Physicists$144,964
Natural Sciences Managers$122,066
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary$90,850

Go to all Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics programs

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