Physics at Clark University

Physics graduates from Clark University face an estimated debt load of $23,120—a figure that tracks closely with the national median and sits below the Massachusetts average. This positions the program in reasonable territory compared to peer physics programs nationwide.

Based on comparable Massachusetts physics programs, first-year earnings hover around $49,399, which aligns almost exactly with the state median for this degree. That puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.47, meaning you'd be borrowing about half a year's salary—a manageable threshold that suggests the degree should pay for itself within a reasonable timeframe. Clark's selectivity (42% admission rate, 1339 average SAT) indicates a serious academic environment, though physics graduates from MIT and Northeastern in the same state report similar or higher starting salaries.

The challenge here is that these are estimates drawn from peer programs, not Clark-specific outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about whether this particular program performs above or below those benchmarks. What matters is that the estimated financial picture—borrowing under $25,000 to enter a field with near-$50,000 starting salaries—represents a reasonable investment if your child is genuinely committed to physics and the opportunities it opens in research, engineering, or graduate school.