Best colleges for Physics in Michigan
Ranked by graduate earnings
Michigan State University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and Wayne State University award the most Physics degrees and certificates in Michigan: 109, 100 and 28 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 22 Michigan colleges offer Physics and award 320 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Physics program focuses on the study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature. It encompasses various specializations, including Atomic/Molecular Physics, Nuclear Physics, and Optics/Optical Sciences, making it suitable…
Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Public · Bachelor's degree | $53,019 | 100 | 93% | — | $22,250 |
| 2 | Michigan State University East Lansing Public · Bachelor's degree | $33,400 | 109 | 81% | — | $27,000 |
Colleges awarding the most Physics degrees in Michigan
Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan State University East Lansing Public | 109 | $33,400 |
| 2 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Public | 100 | $53,019 |
| 3 | Wayne State University Detroit Public | 28 | Not reported |
| 4 | Michigan Technological University Houghton Public | 21 | Not reported |
| 5 | Western Michigan University Kalamazoo Public | 10 | Not reported |
| 6 | Calvin University Grand Rapids Private not-for-profit | 7 | Not reported |
| 7 | Oakland University Rochester Hills Public | 7 | Not reported |
| 8 | Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant Public | 6 | Not reported |
| 9 | Northern Michigan University Marquette Public | 6 | Not reported |
| 10 | Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti Public | 4 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 12 Michigan colleges offering Physics
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | Dearborn | Public | 4 |
| Adrian College | Adrian | Private not-for-profit | 3 |
| Hillsdale College | Hillsdale | Private not-for-profit | 3 |
| Kalamazoo College | Kalamazoo | Private not-for-profit | 3 |
| Saginaw Valley State University | University Center | Public | 2 |
| Albion College | Albion | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
| Alma College | Alma | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
| Andrews University | Berrien Springs | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
| Kettering University | Flint | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
| Gogebic Community College | Ironwood | Public | 1 |
| Grand Valley State University | Allendale | Public | 1 |
| Hope College | Holland | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Physicists (SOC 19-2012).
Top skills
What Physicists earn in Michigan
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Physics programs in Michigan.
Which Michigan colleges award the most Physics degrees?+
Michigan State University (109 graduates a year), University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (100 graduates a year) and Wayne State University (28 graduates a year) award the most Physics degrees and certificates in Michigan, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 22 Michigan colleges offer Physics.
Which Physics program in Michigan has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor tops the list at $53,019. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Physicists earn in Michigan?+
The average annual wage for Physicists in Michigan is $135,340 (median $94,520), across about 510 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Physics program?+
The Physics program focuses on the study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature. It encompasses various specializations, including Atomic/Molecular Physics, Nuclear Physics, and Optics/Optical Sciences, making it suitable…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop science, reading comprehension, mathematics, critical thinking, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Physicists?+
The national job outlook is about +4.0% growth with around 1,700 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Doctoral or professional degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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