Best Physics Schools in New York

New York has 6 colleges offering Physics programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 65 recent graduates. Graduates in New York earn $49,977 on average within two years — 15% above the national average of $43,621, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Cornell University graduates earn $74,531 while Ithaca College graduates earn $29,250 — a $45,281 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

6
Schools in NY
$49,977
NY Avg. Earnings
$43,621
National Avg.
89
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Physics in New York

Public Schools (1)
$41,193
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (5)
$51,734
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $10,541 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Physics Schools in New York, Ranked by Earnings

#1
C

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private

$74,531
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,630
Graduates: 21
Acceptance: 8.2%
#2
R

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY · Private

$69,338
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,448
Graduates: 21
Acceptance: 58.5%
#3
R

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY · Private

$47,260
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 71.4%
#4
S

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY · Public

$41,193
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $25,311
Graduates: 23
Acceptance: 49.0%
#5
C

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private

$38,289
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 4.2%
#6
I

Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY · Private

$29,250
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 69.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Physics in New York?
Cornell University ranks #1 for Physics in New York with median graduate earnings of $74,531 within two years of graduation. There are 6 schools offering Physics programs in the state.
How much do Physics graduates earn in New York?
Physics graduates in New York earn an average of $49,977 within two years of graduation. This is 15% above the national average of $43,621 for this major.
What is the hardest Physics school to get into in New York?
Columbia University in the City of New York is the most selective Physics program in New York with an acceptance rate of 4.2%. The average acceptance rate across Physics programs in the state is 43.5%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Physics in New York?
In New York, private Physics programs produce average earnings of $51,734 vs $41,193 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 1 public and 5 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in New York

All colleges in New York →

Physics in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.