Physics at Creighton University

Physics programs nationally show relatively consistent early outcomes, with the national median sitting right at $47,670—the same benchmark used to estimate Creighton's earnings. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 suggests a manageable burden if these estimates hold true, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. For context, Nebraska physics programs typically produce similar earnings, though debt loads vary slightly across the state.

What's harder to assess here is how Creighton's specific program stacks up beyond the numbers. The school enrolls very few Pell-eligible students (just 5%), suggesting a student body that may have more family resources to supplement these figures. The 72% admission rate and solid SAT scores indicate a reasonably selective environment, but without actual graduate outcomes, you're relying on broader patterns rather than this program's proven track record.

The uncertainty cuts both ways. Physics degrees can lead to graduate school, teaching positions, or industry jobs with widely varying starting salaries—peer programs suggest around $48,000, but individual outcomes often diverge significantly based on career path. If your child is considering graduate school in physics, these undergraduate debt levels won't cripple that plan. If they're targeting immediate employment, confirm whether Creighton's career services and industry connections actually deliver for physics majors specifically, since the estimated figures can't tell you that.