Physics · Iowa

Physics colleges in Iowa

CampusPin lists 46 U.S. colleges in Iowa 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 Iowa that offer Physics

Physics programs in Iowa: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 46 schools listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

46

Public / private

16 / 30

Universities / 2-year

33 / 13

Cities represented

33

In-state tuition range

$4,680–$64,862

Median in-state tuition

$22,259

Lowest published in-state tuition

Eastern Iowa Community College District

$4,680

Most selective

Grinnell College

13% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

Iowa State University

29,878 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, 2024 physicists median $166,290, 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 Iowa

Find more Physics schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 46+ Physics programs in Iowa by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

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