Compare 10 Engineering Physics. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $84,335. Top programs: $102,211+.
Engineering Physics programs produce graduates earning between $54,210 and $102,211—a $48K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 10 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The right program choice can mean tens of thousands of dollars in additional annual earnings.
Topping the list, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Engineering Physics program delivers $102,211 in median earnings—well above the $84,335 average across all ranked programs. Colorado School of Mines follows at $97,497, proving that a specialized public engineering school in Golden, Colorado can match or beat nationally recognized institutions on graduate outcomes.
Strong earnings matter most when debt stays manageable. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates carry $19,500 in student debt and face just a 3.4% payment burden—an 'Excellent' GPS affordability rating meaning loan payments take a minimal slice of post-grad income. For families factoring in parent loans, University of Wisconsin-Platteville leads with an 8.5% family burden, landing in the 'Good' tier on $85,901 in graduate earnings. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $102,211
Strong outcomes ($97,497) with 61% acceptance rate
3.4% payment burden | Excellent — payment under 8% of discretionary
8.5% family burden | Good — payment 8-12% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $102,211 | 79 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Good | |
| #2 | Colorado School Of MinesPublic | $97,497 | 40 | $23,000 | Excellent | $53,505 | Manageable |
| #3 | $90,938 | 35 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Good | |
| #4 | Fordham UniversityPrivate | $90,465 | 23 | $24,300 | Excellent | $37,095 | Manageable |
| #5 | Murray State UniversityPublic | $86,713 | 26 | $20,500 | Excellent | $18,465 | Good |
| #6 | Augustana CollegePrivate | $85,993 | 12 | $27,000 | Excellent | $37,219 | Manageable |
| #7 | $85,901 | 24 | $21,977 | Excellent | $15,000 | Good | |
| #8 | $80,086 | 15 | $23,409 | Excellent | $18,080 | Good | |
| #9 | $69,338 | 18 | $19,500 | Excellent | $46,340 | Challenging | |
| #10 | $54,210 | 8 | $26,000 | Good | $42,541 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
