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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#31 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 21
University of California-Merced
4 Year
Merced, CA
Video Rating
University of California-Merced, located in Merced, CA has 21 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 61%
Undergraduates 1,367 students
Tuition $13,208
0
4.0
My GPA
#32 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt $16,504
Program Size 20
Humboldt State University
4 Year
Arcata, CA
Humboldt State University, located in Arcata, CA has 20 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 77%
Undergraduates 2,017 students
Tuition $7,195
0
4.0
My GPA
#33 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt $24,331
Program Size 20
California State University-Chico
4 Year
Chico, CA
California State University-Chico, located in Chico, CA has 20 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 63%
Undergraduates 4,093 students
Tuition $7,022
0
4.0
My GPA
#34 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 19
California State University-Fresno
4 Year
Fresno, CA
California State University-Fresno, located in Fresno, CA has 19 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 52%
Undergraduates 5,276 students
Tuition $6,311
0
4.0
My GPA
#35 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 16
Pepperdine University (PU)
4 Year
Malibu, CA
Video Rating
Pepperdine University (PU), located in Malibu, CA has 16 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 38%
Undergraduates 2,664 students
Tuition $48,342
0
4.0
My GPA
#36 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 16
California State University-Stanislaus
4 Year
Turlock, CA
California State University-Stanislaus, located in Turlock, CA has 16 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 71%
Undergraduates 2,334 students
Tuition $6,704
0
4.0
My GPA
#37 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 16
University of Redlands
4 Year
Redlands, CA
Video Rating
N/A
University of Redlands, located in Redlands, CA has 16 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 1,633 students
Tuition $44,900
0
4.0
My GPA
#38 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 14
California State University-East Bay
4 Year
Hayward, CA
California State University-East Bay, located in Hayward, CA has 14 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 74%
Undergraduates 4,631 students
Tuition $6,564
0
4.0
My GPA
#39 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 14
Santa Clara University (SCU)
4 Year
Santa Clara, CA
Video Rating
Santa Clara University (SCU), located in Santa Clara, CA has 14 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 49%
Undergraduates 2,466 students
Tuition $45,300
0
4.0
My GPA
#40 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 12
California Lutheran University (CLU)
4 Year
Thousand Oaks, CA
Video Rating
California Lutheran University (CLU), located in Thousand Oaks, CA has 12 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 62%
Undergraduates 1,282 students
Tuition $38,430
0
4.0
My GPA
#41 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 12
Whittier College
4 Year
Whittier, CA
Video Rating
N/A
Whittier College, located in Whittier, CA has 12 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 63%
Undergraduates 583 students
Tuition $43,280
0
4.0
My GPA
#42 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 12
California State University-Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Video Rating
California State University-Los Angeles, located in Los Angeles, CA has 12 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 6,512 students
Tuition $6,355
0
4.0
My GPA
#43 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 11
Saint Mary's College of California
4 Year
Moraga, CA
Saint Mary's College of California, located in Moraga, CA has 11 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 98%
Undergraduates 1,102 students
Tuition $42,930
0
4.0
My GPA
#44 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 10
California State University-Dominguez Hills
4 Year
Carson, CA
Video Rating
California State University-Dominguez Hills, located in Carson, CA has 10 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 53%
Undergraduates 3,807 students
Tuition $6,213
0
4.0
My GPA
#45 Best College for Physics
Average Salary N/A
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 9
Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
Video Rating
Loyola Marymount University (LMU), located in Los Angeles, CA has 9 students majoring in Physics. On average, graduates earn N/A.
Acceptance Rate 51%
Undergraduates 2,530 students
Tuition $42,795
0
4.0
My GPA
Other Major Rankings
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