Physics at Denison University

A $47,670 starting salary—roughly the national median for physics bachelor's degrees—paired with manageable debt creates a workable foundation, though this estimate from comparable programs nationwide doesn't capture what makes Denison distinctive. The school's 17% admission rate and 1395 average SAT suggest a selective environment where physics majors might develop stronger research connections and graduate school preparation than the national average implies. Similar programs across Ohio show higher first-year earnings around $53,500, which raises questions about whether Denison's liberal arts focus translates differently into immediate career outcomes versus long-term trajectories.

The debt-to-earnings ratio below 0.5 looks reasonable on paper, but remember these are both estimates derived from peer institutions rather than actual Denison graduate outcomes. Physics majors often pursue graduate degrees where the real earnings potential emerges—making that first-year number less telling than it would be for immediately career-focused fields. The relatively low Pell Grant percentage (13%) suggests most families here can absorb higher costs if needed, though that doesn't make overpaying smart.

For a physics degree at a selective liberal arts college, track whether your child plans graduate school or direct employment. If it's the latter, programs showing actual earnings above $50,000 (like Ohio State's reported figure) might offer clearer value. If it's graduate school, Denison's research opportunities and faculty attention matter more than these estimated starting salaries.