Physics at Appalachian State University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Physics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State University | — | $56,060 | $22,096 | — |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | $70,150 | — | $28,750 | 0.41 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $62,647 | — | $19,200 | 0.31 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | $43,740 | — | $23,490 | 0.54 |
| National Median | $47,670 | — | $23,304 | 0.49 |
Other Physics Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte | $7,214 | $70,150 | $28,750 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill | $8,989 | $62,647 | $19,200 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh | $8,895 | $43,740 | $23,490 |
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 Appalachian State University, approximately 26% 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.