Physics at Baker University

A debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 is generally manageable, and this program appears to hit that mark—but context matters. Peer institutions nationally suggest physics bachelor's graduates start around $47,670, with an estimated $23,120 in debt at Baker. That's a reasonable financial foundation, particularly for a field where many graduates continue to graduate school or enter technical careers that value the analytical skills physics provides. However, Baker's 950 average SAT score raises questions about the rigor and opportunities available compared to physics programs at research universities, where lab facilities, faculty connections, and graduate school placement rates often differ substantially.

Kansas has a dozen physics programs, and while none have reported outcomes data for comparison, the national picture shows wide variation—top quartile programs produce first-year earnings above $54,000. Physics is also a degree where the trajectory matters more than the starting salary; graduates often move into engineering, data science, or research roles that develop over time. The challenge is that Baker's open admissions profile (92% acceptance rate) suggests it may not attract the research funding or employer recruitment networks that help physics graduates leverage their degree most effectively.

If your child is genuinely passionate about physics and plans to pursue graduate work, Baker could provide the foundational coursework. But if the goal is entering the workforce immediately with a bachelor's degree, investigate what companies recruit from Baker's physics program specifically, not just what similar programs nationally produce.