Best Schools for Physical Sciences

Physical Sciences graduates earn a median of $49,464 within two years of graduation, ranking #75 out of 292 tracked majors — 39% above the median across all fields. There are 3 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 16 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Rochester Institute of Technology graduates earn $63,005 while Villanova University graduates earn $33,281 — a $29,724 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

3
Schools
$49,464
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#75
of 292 Majors
16
Graduates

Public vs Private: Physical Sciences

Public (1 schools)
$52,107
avg. 2yr earnings
Private (2 schools)
$48,143
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools produce comparable or higher early earnings for Physical Sciences, often at lower tuition — making them strong value options for this major.

Top Physical Sciences Schools by Graduate Earnings

#1
R

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY · Private

$63,005
2yr Earnings
1yr: $74,681
Grads: 16
Acceptance: 71.4%
#2
U

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD · Public

$52,107
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 44.8%
#3
V

Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private

$33,281
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 25.1%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Physical Sciences?
Rochester Institute of Technology ranks #1 for Physical Sciences with median graduate earnings of $63,005 within two years. There are 3 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.
How much do Physical Sciences graduates earn?
Physical Sciences graduates earn an average of $49,464 within two years of graduation. This is 39% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $33,281 to $63,005 depending on the school.
How hard is it to get into a top Physical Sciences program?
The average acceptance rate across Physical Sciences programs is 47.1%. The most selective program is at Villanova University with a 25.1% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.
Is a public or private school better for Physical Sciences?
Private Physical Sciences programs average $48,143 in early earnings vs $52,107 at public schools. Public schools offer competitive earnings at typically lower cost, making them strong value options.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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