Analysis
Physics degrees typically launch graduates into well-paying careers, but estimated figures from comparable New York programs suggest Adelphi's bachelor's would begin modestly. At around $48,600 in first-year earnings—right at the state median—graduates would start near the national benchmark for physics majors, though well behind what RPI and Cornell produce. The estimated debt load of $20,270 translates to a 0.42 ratio, which is manageable and actually below the national median for physics programs.
The limited sample size that necessitates these estimates could signal a small, close-knit cohort or simply reflect privacy thresholds for newer programs. What matters more is the starting salary: $48,600 gives graduates breathing room with their debt payments, but it's not the commanding premium physics degrees sometimes deliver. Programs at public universities like CUNY City College show similar outcomes at presumably lower cost, while elite engineering schools demonstrate the ceiling for physics earnings in New York.
For families weighing Adelphi's physics program, the estimated debt-to-earnings picture looks reasonable but not exceptional. If your student thrives in smaller settings and values Adelphi's Long Island location, the financial projections suggest they won't be burdened. But if maximizing early career earnings is the priority, understanding why this program has limited outcome data—and comparing total costs against state schools with similar trajectories—would be worth your time.
Where Adelphi University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all physics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Physics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (66 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,290 | $48,641* | — | $20,270* | — | |
| $61,884 | $60,348* | $88,071 | $20,270* | 0.34 | |
| $66,014 | $50,933* | — | $15,961* | 0.31 | |
| $7,340 | $48,908* | — | —* | — | |
| $57,016 | $48,374* | — | $27,000* | 0.56 | |
| $10,560 | $44,562* | $69,154 | $21,683* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $47,670* | — | $23,304* | 0.49 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with physics graduates
Physicists
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Adelphi University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.