Compare 5 Physics. programs in Massachusetts. Average earnings: $80,384.
Physics programs produce graduates earning between $48,324 and $166,156—a $118K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 5 ranked programs in Massachusetts, outcomes vary dramatically based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
At the top, MIT produces Physics graduates earning $166,156, more than double the state average of $80,384. But the variation tells the real story: Northeastern follows at $74,200, while College of the Holy Cross reaches $59,417—proving that even within Massachusetts, program-level factors drive outcomes more than school names alone.
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. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making the program both top-performing and easily affordable.
Highest program earnings: $166,156
Strong outcomes with 58% acceptance
1.4% payment burden | Excellent
6.1% 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 | Northeastern UniversityPrivate | $74,200 | 29 | $24,250 | Excellent | $34,984 | Manageable |
| #3 | College Of The Holy CrossPrivate | $59,417 | 13 | $27,000 | Good | $39,032 | High |
| #4 | $53,821 | 51 | $22,763 | Good | $26,243 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $48,324 | 20 | $23,704 | Manageable | $18,400 | Challenging |
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 →