Best colleges for Physics in Minnesota
Ranked by graduate earnings
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Bethel University and Carleton College award the most Physics degrees and certificates in Minnesota: 67, 24 and 22 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 18 Minnesota colleges offer Physics and award 232 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 institution, 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis Public · Bachelor's degree | $54,350 | 67 | 85% | — | $23,594 |
Colleges awarding the most Physics degrees in Minnesota
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 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis Public | 67 | $54,350 |
| 2 | Bethel University Saint Paul Private not-for-profit | 24 | Not reported |
| 3 | Carleton College Northfield Private not-for-profit | 22 | Not reported |
| 4 | St Olaf College Northfield Private not-for-profit | 21 | Not reported |
| 5 | University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth Public | 17 | Not reported |
| 6 | Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter Private not-for-profit | 15 | Not reported |
| 7 | Macalester College Saint Paul Private not-for-profit | 12 | Not reported |
| 8 | University of St Thomas Saint Paul Private not-for-profit | 12 | Not reported |
| 9 | Minnesota State University - Mankato Mankato Public | 9 | Not reported |
| 10 | Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead Private not-for-profit | 8 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 8 Minnesota colleges offering Physics
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Johns University | Collegeville | Private not-for-profit | 7 |
| Augsburg University | Minneapolis | Private not-for-profit | 6 |
| Hamline University | Saint Paul | Private not-for-profit | 3 |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead | Public | 3 |
| University of Minnesota-Morris | Morris | Public | 2 |
| Winona State University | Winona | Public | 2 |
| College of Saint Benedict | Saint Joseph | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
| Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud | Public | 1 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Physicists (SOC 19-2012).
Top skills
What Physicists earn in Minnesota
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Physics programs in Minnesota.
Which Minnesota colleges award the most Physics degrees?+
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (67 graduates a year), Bethel University (24 graduates a year) and Carleton College (22 graduates a year) award the most Physics degrees and certificates in Minnesota, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 18 Minnesota colleges offer Physics.
Which Physics program in Minnesota has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities tops the list at $54,350. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Physicists earn in Minnesota?+
The average annual wage for Physicists in Minnesota is $201,530 (median $171,220), across about 110 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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