Compare 109 Physics. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $57,263. Top programs: $166,156+.
Physics programs produce graduates earning between $73,644 and $166,156—a $92K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 109 ranked programs, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Physics program leads with graduates earning $166,156, nearly triple the field average of $57,263. But the story extends beyond MIT—University of California-Santa Barbara ($88,722) and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($88,601) prove that strong physics programs exist beyond traditional research powerhouses.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. MIT graduates borrow $14,768 and face just a 1.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, Brigham Young University leads with a 5.7% family burden, proving that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $166,156
Strong outcomes ($88,071) with 58% acceptance
1.4% payment burden | Excellent
5.7% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $166,156 | 83 | $14,768 | Excellent | $42,501 | Excellent | |
| #2 | $88,722 | 161 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Good | |
| #3 | $88,601 | 38 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $88,071 | 44 | $23,750 | Excellent | $52,241 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $87,968 | 49 | $21,500 | Excellent | $25,294 | Good | |
| #6 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $87,137 | 31 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Manageable |
| #7 | $83,259 | 27 | $20,500 | Excellent | $18,859 | Good | |
| #8 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $81,191 | 74 | $19,620 | Excellent | $30,126 | Manageable |
| #9 | University Of ChicagoPrivate | $81,076 | 63 | $15,000 | Excellent | $33,297 | Manageable |
| #10 | $80,917 | 7 | $27,000 | Excellent | $24,356 | Manageable | |
| #11 | $80,433 | 52 | $21,672 | Excellent | $32,216 | Manageable | |
| #12 | $77,660 | 78 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Good | |
| #13 | $77,164 | 75 | $19,000 | Excellent | $35,200 | Manageable | |
| #14 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $76,268 | 27 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent |
| #15 | $76,239 | 87 | $20,500 | Excellent | $26,632 | Manageable | |
| #16 | Cornell UniversityPrivate | $74,531 | 52 | $14,000 | Excellent | $38,000 | Manageable |
| #17 | Rowan UniversityPublic | $74,209 | 34 | $20,500 | Excellent | $27,445 | Manageable |
| #18 | Northeastern UniversityPrivate | $74,200 | 29 | $24,250 | Excellent | $34,984 | Manageable |
| #19 | Salisbury UniversityPublic | $73,937 | 20 | $21,000 | Excellent | $33,815 | Manageable |
| #20 | $73,644 | 66 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Good | |
| #21 | $73,202 | 51 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Manageable | |
| #22 | $72,524 | 41 | $17,988 | Excellent | $15,541 | Good | |
| #23 | $72,007 | 65 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Manageable | |
| #24 | $70,182 | 34 | $22,500 | Excellent | $16,958 | Manageable | |
| #25 | $70,150 | 24 | $21,500 | Excellent | $19,809 | Manageable |
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 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
