Compare 8 Physics. programs in Texas. Average earnings: $51,188.
With top graduates earning $76,239, Physics stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $25K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
The University of Texas at Austin's Physics program leads with graduates earning $76,239, well above the $51,188 state average. The University of Texas at Arlington follows at $64,598, while Texas Tech delivers $57,435—a range that reflects program-specific strengths rather than overall institutional rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UT Austin graduates borrow $20,500 and face just a 5.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, UT Arlington leads with a 10.3% family burden, proving that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $76,239
Strong outcomes ($64,598) with 81% acceptance
5.2% payment burden | Excellent
10.3% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $76,239 | 87 | $20,500 | Excellent | $26,632 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $64,598 | 28 | $17,527 | Excellent | $12,313 | Good | |
| #3 | Texas Tech UniversityPublic | $57,435 | 31 | $21,500 | Good | $23,443 | Challenging |
| #4 | $57,318 | 27 | $18,000 | Excellent | $21,495 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $53,329 | 37 | $17,804 | Excellent | $32,258 | Challenging | |
| #6 | Texas State UniversityPublic | $38,289 | 15 | $21,000 | Challenging | $22,500 | High |
| #7 | $36,328 | 26 | $20,500 | Challenging | $13,859 | High | |
| #8 | $25,967 | 15 | $19,250 | High | $23,211 | 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 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →