ISO target schools [NJ resident, 3.88 UW, 36 ACT, 1540 SAT for STEM, physics]

No - my point is simply - when someone is going for Physics (vs. say engineering), if you’re considering grad school, you have to consider the full of education - that’s all.

Physics as an undergrad likely translates to more schooling - so if that’s in OPs plan, they should account.

We don’t even know if they have budget concerns - just that they won’t get need.

My comment about law or business was just because you mentioned PhD but I imagine few that go to grad school end up in a PhD.

Hopefully OP will engage more with the questions asked.