In your case, it (physics) sounds like grad school may also be a consideration. Is for us. A big part of our decision will be a bet on which of the schools has best potential to add value when we’re at that decision point… and, of course, what the acceptable price premium for that would be.
Lots of uncertainty with what Federal Gov’t has up its sleeve, too!
This link had some useful info: Best "feeders" for good math/physics/philosophy graduate schools? - #4 by NiceUnparticularMan