2024 Best Colleges for Physics in California

We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Physics programs in California. We looked at 59 programs to put our Physics rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Physics in California. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether Physics is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Physics: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Physics in California. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a Physics undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in California. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.

In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Physics degree in California.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Physics Majors in California

What is the best university for majoring in Physics in California?

California State University San Marcos, Extended Learning is the best university for majoring in Physics based on earnings data. On average, graduates from California State University San Marcos, Extended Learning earned an average of $65,332 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Physics in California?

California State University-Dominguez Hills is the cheapest university for majoring in Physics based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $6,213 to attend California State University-Dominguez Hills.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Physics in California?

Harvey Mudd College is the most expensive university for majoring in Physics based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $50,649 to attend Harvey Mudd College.

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#1 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $65,332
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 30
California State University San Marcos, Extended Learning
4 Year
San Marcos, CA
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California State University San Marcos, Extended Learning, located in San Marcos, CA has 30 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $65,332.
Acceptance Rate 54%
Undergraduates 3,507 students
Tuition $7,269
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#2 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $63,005
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 28
University of California-Riverside (UCR)
4 Year
Riverside, CA
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University of California-Riverside (UCR), located in Riverside, CA has 28 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $63,005.
Acceptance Rate 56%
Undergraduates 5,454 students
Tuition $13,527
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#3 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $61,516
Average Debt $25,000
Program Size 71
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
4 Year
San Luis Obispo, CA
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, located in San Luis Obispo, CA has 71 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $61,516.
Acceptance Rate 31%
Undergraduates 5,066 students
Tuition $9,001
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#4 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $59,648
Average Debt $17,409
Program Size 210
University of California-Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
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University of California-Santa Barbara, located in Santa Barbara, CA has 210 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $59,648.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 6,169 students
Tuition N/A
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#5 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $59,648
Average Debt $17,409
Program Size 210
UC Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
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UC Santa Barbara , located in Santa Barbara, CA has 210 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $59,648.
Acceptance Rate 33%
Undergraduates 6,169 students
Tuition $13,968
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#6 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $53,775
Average Debt $14,466
Program Size 216
University of California-Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
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University of California-Berkeley, located in Berkeley, CA has 216 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $53,775.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 11,486 students
Tuition N/A
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#7 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $53,775
Average Debt $14,466
Program Size 216
UC Berkeley
4 Year
Berkeley, CA
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UC Berkeley , located in Berkeley, CA has 216 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $53,775.
Acceptance Rate 17%
Undergraduates 11,486 students
Tuition $13,431
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#8 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $50,022
Average Debt $18,827
Program Size 68
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
4 Year
Pomona, CA
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, located in Pomona, CA has 68 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $50,022.
Acceptance Rate 39%
Undergraduates 5,596 students
Tuition $7,016
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#9 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $47,260
Average Debt $19,116
Program Size 83
California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)
4 Year
Long Beach, CA
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California State University-Long Beach (CSULB), located in Long Beach, CA has 83 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $47,260.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 10,260 students
Tuition $6,452
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#10 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $44,971
Average Debt $20,500
Program Size 118
University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego)
4 Year
La Jolla, CA
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University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego), located in La Jolla, CA has 118 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $44,971.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 9,523 students
Tuition $13,530
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#11 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $44,170
Average Debt $18,729
Program Size 153
UCLA
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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UCLA, located in Los Angeles, CA has 153 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $44,170.
Acceptance Rate 17%
Undergraduates 13,156 students
Tuition $12,763
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#12 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $44,170
Average Debt $18,729
Program Size 153
University of California-Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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University of California-Los Angeles, located in Los Angeles, CA has 153 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $44,170.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 13,156 students
Tuition N/A
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#13 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $43,000
Average Debt $16,000
Program Size 88
University of California-Davis (UCD)
4 Year
Davis, CA
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University of California-Davis (UCD), located in Davis, CA has 88 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $43,000.
Acceptance Rate 38%
Undergraduates 9,630 students
Tuition $13,951
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#14 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $31,839
Average Debt $20,484
Program Size 75
UC Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
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UC Irvine , located in Irvine, CA has 75 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $31,839.
Acceptance Rate 39%
Undergraduates 8,695 students
Tuition $13,252
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#15 Best College for Physics
Average Salary $31,839
Average Debt $20,484
Program Size 75
University of California-Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
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University of California-Irvine, located in Irvine, CA has 75 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn $31,839.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 8,695 students
Tuition N/A
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