Best Physics Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 5 colleges offering Physics programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 86 recent graduates. Graduates in Illinois earn $50,519 on average within two years — 17% above the national average of $43,163, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

Schools in IL

$50,519

IL Avg. Earnings

$43,163

National Avg.

135

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Physics in Illinois

Public Schools (2)

$42,309

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (3)

$54,624

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $12,315 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Physics Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,331

Graduates: 19

Acceptance: 89.0%

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$42,309

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $47,882

Graduates: 32

Acceptance: 43.7%

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 72.7%

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$69,338

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 73.5%

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private

$39,909

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $52,578

Graduates: 35

Acceptance: 4.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Physics in Illinois?

Illinois State University ranks #1 for Physics in Illinois with median graduate earnings of N/A within two years of graduation. There are 5 schools offering Physics programs in the state.

How much do Physics graduates earn in Illinois?

Physics graduates in Illinois earn an average of $50,519 within two years of graduation. This is 17% above the national average of $43,163 for this major.

What is the hardest Physics school to get into in Illinois?

University of Chicago is the most selective Physics program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 4.8%. The average acceptance rate across Physics programs in the state is 56.8%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Physics in Illinois?

In Illinois, private Physics programs produce average earnings of $54,624 vs $42,309 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Chemical Engineering $69,173 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $64,764 Civil Engineering $61,502 Construction Management $60,021 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $58,932 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $57,318

All colleges in Illinois →

Physics in Other States

California New York Pennsylvania Texas Virginia New Jersey Massachusetts Oregon Washington Connecticut Florida North Carolina View All →

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.