Engineering Physics at Austin Peay State University

Engineering physics programs nationally produce starting salaries around $57,000, which is what peer institutions suggest Austin Peay graduates might expect. With estimated debt of $24,250, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 looks manageable—graduates would owe less than half their first year's salary. That's a solid foundation compared to many bachelor's programs, though it's worth noting these figures come from similar programs nationally rather than Austin Peay's specific track record.

The challenge here is context. Engineering physics is a relatively uncommon major—only six Tennessee schools offer it—and Austin Peay's small graduate cohort means the Department of Education suppresses their actual outcomes data. This makes it harder to know whether this particular program connects students to the engineering roles that justify the degree. The university's 96% admission rate and modest test scores suggest it serves a different student population than elite engineering schools, which could mean different career trajectories.

For parents, the estimated numbers paint a functional picture: debt that's payable on an engineer's salary. But you're betting on limited information. If your student is serious about engineering physics specifically and Austin Peay offers the right environment for them to succeed, the financial framework appears workable. Just recognize you're making that decision without seeing how previous graduates from this specific program have actually fared.