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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#16 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt $22,499
Program Size 79
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)
4 Year
Santa Cruz, CA
Video Rating
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC), located in Santa Cruz, CA has 79 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 50%
Undergraduates 4,437 students
Tuition $13,461
0
4.0
My GPA
#17 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 54
Stanford University
4 Year
Stanford, CA
Video Rating
N/A
Stanford University, located in Stanford, CA has 54 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 5%
Undergraduates 4,779 students
Tuition $46,320
0
4.0
My GPA
#18 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 53
California Institute of Technology
4 Year
Pasadena, CA
California Institute of Technology, located in Pasadena, CA has 53 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 9%
Undergraduates 556 students
Tuition $45,390
0
4.0
My GPA
#19 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt $19,499
Program Size 48
Harvey Mudd College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
Harvey Mudd College, located in Claremont, CA has 48 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 13%
Undergraduates 195 students
Tuition $50,649
0
4.0
My GPA
#20 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt $20,174
Program Size 38
California State University-Northridge
4 Year
Northridge, CA
California State University-Northridge, located in Northridge, CA has 38 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 46%
Undergraduates 10,247 students
Tuition $6,569
0
4.0
My GPA
#21 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt $26,559
Program Size 35
California State University-Sacramento
4 Year
Sacramento, CA
California State University-Sacramento, located in Sacramento, CA has 35 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 67%
Undergraduates 7,636 students
Tuition $6,872
0
4.0
My GPA
#22 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt $22,953
Program Size 33
Occidental College
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Occidental College, located in Los Angeles, CA has 33 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 45%
Undergraduates 506 students
Tuition $49,248
0
4.0
My GPA
#23 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 32
Pomona College
4 Year
Claremont, CA
Pomona College, located in Claremont, CA has 32 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 10%
Undergraduates 387 students
Tuition $47,620
0
4.0
My GPA
#24 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 31
California State University-Fullerton (CSUF)
4 Year
Fullerton, CA
Video Rating
California State University-Fullerton (CSUF), located in Fullerton, CA has 31 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 42%
Undergraduates 10,530 students
Tuition $6,437
0
4.0
My GPA
#25 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 31
San Francisco State University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
Video Rating
San Francisco State University, located in San Francisco, CA has 31 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 7,146 students
Tuition $6,476
0
4.0
My GPA
#26 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 29
San Jose State University
4 Year
San Jose, CA
Video Rating
N/A
San Jose State University, located in San Jose, CA has 29 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 55%
Undergraduates 9,128 students
Tuition $7,378
0
4.0
My GPA
#27 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt $20,879
Program Size 29
California State University-San Bernardino
4 Year
San Bernardino, CA
California State University-San Bernardino, located in San Bernardino, CA has 29 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 65%
Undergraduates 4,571 students
Tuition $6,577
0
4.0
My GPA
#28 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt $22,811
Program Size 27
San Diego State University (SDSU)
4 Year
San Diego, CA
Video Rating
San Diego State University (SDSU), located in San Diego, CA has 27 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 8,923 students
Tuition $6,976
0
4.0
My GPA
#29 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 24
Sonoma State University
4 Year
Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University, located in Rohnert Park, CA has 24 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 2,461 students
Tuition $7,330
0
4.0
My GPA
#30 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 21
University of Southern California (USC)
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Video Rating
University of Southern California (USC), located in Los Angeles, CA has 21 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 18%
Undergraduates 14,672 students
Tuition $50,277
0
4.0
My GPA
Other Major Rankings
Best Physics Programs by State
Most Popular Major Rankings