<p>The problem with most LACs is that they do not have engineering (natively, as opposed to 3+2 programs that are rarely completed by transfer to the non-LAC “2” school to finish an engineering major), which you stated interest in. A few LACs do have engineering, but that may limit the selection. Harvey Mudd is the best known LAC with engineering, but it is super-selective.</p>
<p>In terms of physics, note that it is not that popular a major, so some LACs have very small physics departments with limited and infrequent offerings of advanced physics courses. Some of the stronger ones for physics include Harvey Mudd, Oberlin, and Reed.</p>
<p>Some other small schools that are not considered LACs are engineering-focused, like the “mines” schools in Colorado, New Mexico, and South Dakota (the latter two of which are relatively inexpensive). But their offerings may be too limiting if you think that there is a good chance of switching to a non-engineering or geology major. Other small engineering focused schools include Worchester, Rose-Hulman, and Stevens.</p>