Physics at Coe College

Based on comparable physics programs nationally, Coe's graduates can expect first-year earnings around $47,670—right at the national median for bachelor's degrees in physics. What distinguishes this program isn't the earning potential, which appears typical for the field, but the debt load: at $27,000, Coe sits in the bottom 5th percentile nationally for physics program debt. That's $4,000 less than the national median, a meaningful difference when you're starting a career in a field where many graduates pursue additional degrees.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 suggests manageable repayment, particularly since physics graduates often see steady salary growth in their early career years. While we're working with national estimates rather than Coe-specific outcomes due to small graduate cohorts, the combination of median-level earnings and below-average debt positions this program favorably against its peers. Physics programs at Iowa's larger universities may offer different opportunities, but the cost advantage here is concrete.

For families weighing options, Coe delivers access to a physics degree without the debt burden common at many comparable institutions. If your student is committed to physics—whether heading toward graduate school, teaching, or industry work—the lower borrowing requirement creates real financial flexibility that persists long after graduation.