Physics at MIT vs Stanford: Which Degree Is Worth More in 2026?

The Quick Comparison

	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Stanford University
Type	Private	Private
Location	Cambridge, MA	Stanford, CA
Median Salary	$0/yr	$0/yr
Annual Net Cost	$19,813/yr	$12,136/yr
4-Year Total Cost	$79,252	$48,544
Completion Rate	96%	93%
Value Score	8/100	7/100

Cost Breakdown

Massachusetts Institute of Technology costs $19,813 per year after financial aid, totaling approximately $79,252 over four years. Stanford University comes in at $12,136 per year, or $48,544 total.

That's a difference of $30,708 over four years. Stanford University is the more affordable option.

Earnings After Graduation

Physics graduates from Massachusetts Institute of Technology earn a median of $0 per year within one year of graduation. Graduates from Stanford University earn $0.

Both programs produce graduates with similar earnings. Over a 10-year career, that difference compounds significantly.

The Verdict

Based on the Value Score — which factors in cost, earnings, break-even time, and completion rate — Massachusetts Institute of Technology delivers better overall value for a Physics degree.

However, the "right" choice depends on your specific financial situation, career goals, and personal fit. A school that's cheaper but has lower earnings might still be the better choice if you graduate debt-free, and a more expensive school might be worth it if it opens specific career doors in your field.

Use the links below to see the full scorecard for each program, or use the compare tool to add a third school to the mix.