Est. Earnings (1yr)
$48,641
Est. from NY median (6 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$20,270
Est. from NY median (7 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Adelphi UniversityGarden City$47,290$48,641*—$20,270*—
Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTroy$61,884$60,348*$88,071$20,270*0.34
Cornell UniversityIthaca$66,014$50,933*—$15,961*0.31
CUNY City CollegeNew York$7,340$48,908*——*—
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester$57,016$48,374*—$27,000*0.56
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook$10,560$44,562*$69,154$21,683*0.49
National Median—$47,670*—$23,304*0.49
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with physics graduates

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

$166,290/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.