Compare 19 Physics. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $58,474.
The highest-earning Physics program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $57K earnings gap across 19 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
University of Notre Dame's Physics program leads with graduates earning $87,137, followed by University of Chicago at $81,076. The average across all Midwest programs is $58,474, yet schools like University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($73,202) demonstrate that strong regional publics compete directly with private institutions.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Chicago graduates borrow $15,000 and face just a 3.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. At Notre Dame, students borrow $19,000 with a 4% burden—still excellent, proving that top programs can also be affordable.
Highest program earnings: $87,137
Strong outcomes ($72,007) with 51% acceptance
3.5% payment burden | Excellent
12.1% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $87,137 | 31 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Manageable |
| #2 | University Of ChicagoPrivate | $81,076 | 63 | $15,000 | Excellent | $33,297 | Manageable |
| #3 | $73,202 | 51 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $72,007 | 65 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $70,182 | 34 | $22,500 | Excellent | $16,958 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $69,988 | 61 | $20,484 | Excellent | $28,364 | Manageable | |
| #7 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $69,338 | 6 | $23,168 | Excellent | $41,563 | Challenging |
| #8 | Gustavus Adolphus CollegePrivate | $68,674 | 10 | $26,774 | Excellent | $34,265 | Challenging |
| #9 | $62,196 | 20 | $20,500 | Excellent | $14,500 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $60,090 | 68 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Challenging | |
| #11 | $59,536 | 46 | $23,250 | Good | $37,401 | Challenging | |
| #12 | $57,831 | 42 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,729 | Challenging | |
| #13 | $47,670 | 15 | $21,000 | Good | $25,798 | High | |
| #14 | $43,426 | 20 | $20,500 | Manageable | $32,529 | High | |
| #15 | Carleton CollegePrivate | $42,774 | 14 | $16,750 | Good | $31,271 | High |
| #16 | $42,682 | 20 | $19,509 | Manageable | $32,850 | High | |
| #17 | St Olaf CollegePrivate | $39,009 | 23 | $26,000 | Challenging | $40,568 | High |
| #18 | $33,987 | 18 | $20,909 | High | $12,452 | High | |
| #19 | $30,203 | 38 | $19,500 | High | $29,448 | 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 →
