How many colleges in California offer Physics programs?

CampusPin currently lists 263 U.S. colleges and universities in California that offer Physics programs. The list updates daily as institutions report new program offerings to IPEDS.

What's the tuition for a Physics program in California?

Among the 50 Physics programs listed in California, published in-state tuition ranges from $1,104 to $63,255 (median around $7,989). Public institutions are typically lower for in-state students than private ones. Always verify the current cost of attendance with each school before applying.

What jobs can a Physics degree lead to?

A Physics degree commonly leads to roles such as Physicist (PhD), Engineer (with engineering MS), Software Engineer, Quantitative Analyst. Typical pay (early-career; BLS figures are occupation-wide medians): $58,000–$85,000 early-career (BLS physicist median $155,680, requires PhD).

Can I apply to a Physics program in California with the Common App?

Many Physics programs in California accept the Common Application. CampusPin tags each school's Common App acceptance, use the Common App filter on /results to narrow to programs you can apply to with one application.

Physics · California

Physics colleges in California

CampusPin lists 263 U.S. colleges in California that offer Physics programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Physics studies the fundamental laws of matter, energy, and motion, a foundational major for engineering, computing, finance, and graduate research.

Schools in California that offer Physics

Physics programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 263 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

263

Public / private

26 / 24

Universities / 2-year

44 / 6

Cities represented

In-state tuition range

$1,104–$63,255

Median in-state tuition

$7,989

Lowest published in-state tuition

Barstow Community College

$1,104

Most selective

California Institute of Technology

3% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

California State University-Fullerton

41,793 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Physics program

Classical mechanics
Electromagnetism
Quantum mechanics
Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
Modern physics (relativity, atomic, nuclear)
Mathematical methods (PDE, complex analysis)
Computational physics (Python, MATLAB)
Senior research thesis

Where a Physics degree can lead

Physicist (PhD)
Engineer (with engineering MS)
Software Engineer
Quantitative Analyst
Optical / Semiconductor Engineer
High School Physics Teacher (with cert)

Typical pay: $58,000–$85,000 early-career (BLS physicist median $155,680, requires PhD)

A Physics major covers classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, modern physics (relativity), and laboratory methods. Math is heavy, calculus through differential equations, linear algebra, and often complex analysis. BS-track programs prepare for graduate school in physics or engineering; BA tracks suit pre-med or interdisciplinary applications.

Physics graduates are highly sought-after for their analytical and quantitative skills. Career paths include physics PhD (academia or national labs), engineering (hardware, optics, semiconductors), quantitative finance, software engineering, and patent law.

Physics in other states

Other majors in California

Find more Physics schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 263+ Physics programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

Search Physics schools in California About the Physics major All colleges in California

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