Best colleges for Engineering Physics
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Engineering Physics by graduate earnings are Colorado School of Mines ($72,858), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($64,304) and Murray State University ($58,025), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Colorado School of Mines (Golden, CO): $72,858, 65 graduates a year
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL): $64,304, 90 graduates a year
- Murray State University (Murray, KY): $58,025, 31 graduates a year
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach (Daytona Beach, FL): $56,889, 33 graduates a year
Compare 107 U.S. colleges offering Engineering Physics by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 35 states.
Engineering Physics programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $58,025 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 14.12 and the Physicists occupation (BLS SOC).
About Engineering Physics programs
Engineering Physics is a dynamic field that merges pure science with engineering principles, preparing students for innovative problem-solving in technology and research. This program is ideal for those who are passionate about understanding the physical world and applying that knowledge to develop new technologies and solutions.
Students in Engineering Physics gain a robust foundation in physics, mathematics, and engineering technology. Coursework emphasizes critical skills such as data analysis, computer simulations, and research methodologies, equipping graduates with the tools needed to tackle complex scientific challenges.
Top 8 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. 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 | Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $72,858 | 65 | 82% | — | $21,500 |
| 2 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL Public · Bachelor's degree | $64,304 | 90 | 85% | — | $20,136 |
| 3 | Murray State University Murray, KY Public · Bachelor's degree | $58,025 | 31 | 61% | — | $19,521 |
| 4 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $56,889 | 33 | 67% | $38,899 | $23,667 |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, WI Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $68,379 | 8 | 56% | — | $27,000 |
| 6 | Delaware State University Dover, DE Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $54,210 | 13 | 39% | — | $31,000 |
| 7 | Augustana College Rock Island, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $54,165 | 2 | 73% | $14,960 | $27,000 |
| 8 | Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $52,715 | 4 | 53% | — | $27,375 |
Specializations within Engineering Physics
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 14.12 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 35 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coloradolimited | 2 | $72,858 | Colorado School of Mines |
| Wisconsin | 4 | $68,379 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville |
| Illinois | 6 | $64,304 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| Kentucky | 3 | $58,025 | Murray State University |
| Floridalimited | 2 | $56,889 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | $54,210 | Delaware State University |
| Texas | 7 | $52,715 | Stephen F Austin State University |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Arkansaslimited | 2 | — | — |
| California | 9 | — | — |
| Connecticut | 3 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Indiana | 3 | — | — |
| Kansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Mainelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Massachusetts | 6 | — | — |
| Michigan | 6 | — | — |
| Minnesota | 3 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 2 | — | — |
| New Hampshirelimited | 2 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 2 | — | — |
| New Mexicolimited | 1 | — | — |
| New York | 8 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Ohio | 7 | — | — |
| Oklahoma | 3 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Rhode Islandlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Tennessee | 3 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginia | 3 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2012, Physicists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of Engineering Physics can expect a steady job market with an annual growth rate of about 4% and approximately 1,700 openings each year. With a median wage of $166,290, careers often require a doctoral or professional degree, reflecting the advanced expertise needed in this field.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Engineering Physics
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 14.12.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 14.12 (Engineering Physics) maps to 5 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers |
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 17-2199 | Engineers, All Other |
| 19-2012 | Physicistsprimary |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Engineering Physics programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Perform complex calculations as part of the analysis and evaluation of data, using computers.
- Analyze data from research conducted to detect and measure physical phenomena.
- Describe and express observations and conclusions in mathematical terms.
- Design computer simulations to model physical data so that it can be better understood.
- Write research proposals to receive funding.
- Teach physics to students.
Common questions
What is Engineering Physics?+
Engineering Physics combines pure science disciplines with engineering, focusing on the application of physical principles to develop new technologies.
What skills will I learn?+
You will develop skills in science, mathematics, critical thinking, and data analysis, along with proficiency in computer simulations.
What is the job outlook for Engineering Physics graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a projected growth rate of 4% and around 1,700 annual openings.
What is the typical salary for someone in this field?+
The median wage for Engineering Physics professionals is $166,290.
How much do Engineering Physics graduates earn?+
Engineering Physics graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $58,025, College Scorecard (2019); the Physicists occupation pays about $171,180 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Engineering Physics?+
Engineering Physics maps to CIP 14.12 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
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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