Compare 31 Physics. programs in the West. Average earnings: $57,568.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Physics programs tell a different story. Across 31 programs in the West, earnings range from $50,651 to $88,722—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
University of California-Santa Barbara's Physics program leads with graduates earning $88,722, closely followed by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo at $88,601. The regional average sits at $57,568, but Portland State University demonstrates how program-specific factors drive outcomes—their graduates earn $83,259 despite 91% acceptance rates.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UC Santa Barbara graduates borrow $13,993 and face just a 2.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Brigham Young leads value with an even lower 2.8% burden, proving that top Physics programs can deliver both strong outcomes and minimal debt.
Highest program earnings: $88,722
Strong outcomes ($83,259) with 91% acceptance
2.8% payment burden | Excellent
5.7% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $88,722 | 161 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Good | |
| #2 | $88,601 | 38 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $83,259 | 27 | $20,500 | Excellent | $18,859 | Good | |
| #4 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $81,191 | 74 | $19,620 | Excellent | $30,126 | Manageable |
| #5 | $77,660 | 78 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Good | |
| #6 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $76,268 | 27 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent |
| #7 | $73,644 | 66 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Good | |
| #8 | University Of UtahPublic | $69,676 | 30 | $19,000 | Excellent | $18,886 | Good |
| #9 | $68,071 | 207 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $66,938 | 46 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Manageable | |
| #11 | $66,529 | 17 | $17,350 | Excellent | $18,031 | Good | |
| #12 | $61,960 | 57 | $19,500 | Excellent | $23,519 | Manageable | |
| #13 | $61,607 | 135 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Manageable | |
| #14 | $58,587 | 53 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Manageable | |
| #15 | $57,114 | 15 | $14,715 | Excellent | $12,000 | Good | |
| #16 | $56,586 | 38 | $17,500 | Excellent | $18,275 | Manageable | |
| #17 | Whitworth UniversityPrivate | $54,661 | 21 | $25,000 | Good | $35,875 | High |
| #18 | $51,682 | 39 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #19 | $50,697 | 72 | $19,500 | Good | $46,340 | High | |
| #20 | Utah State UniversityPublic | $50,651 | 16 | $14,340 | Excellent | $13,923 | Manageable |
| #21 | $48,432 | 11 | $18,500 | Good | $23,123 | Challenging | |
| #22 | Boise State UniversityPublic | $45,813 | 14 | $20,500 | Manageable | $18,968 | Challenging |
| #23 | $43,144 | 55 | $15,000 | Good | $22,665 | High | |
| #24 | $41,565 | 16 | $19,500 | Manageable | $22,000 | High | |
| #25 | Idaho State UniversityPublic | $41,025 | 10 | $20,039 | Manageable | $14,334 | 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 →
