Physics at Frostburg State University

A physics bachelor's degree in Maryland carries significant variation in early outcomes, with starting salaries ranging from under $40,000 at the state's flagship to over $54,000 at regional universities. Based on national benchmarks for physics programs, Frostburg graduates would likely start around $47,670—middle of the pack for Maryland physics degrees. With an estimated debt load of $23,750, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.5 suggests manageable repayment, though you should know these figures are extrapolated from peer programs rather than reported outcomes from Frostburg's own graduates.

The small sample size that triggered data suppression here is worth considering. It could indicate limited enrollment, which might mean smaller class sizes and more faculty attention—or it could signal weaker job placement infrastructure if the program is very small. Physics degrees typically lead to diverse career paths, from teaching and lab work to engineering and data science roles, and first-year earnings often don't capture the full picture since many graduates pursue additional education.

For families evaluating this program, the estimated debt burden appears reasonable relative to typical physics earnings, but the wide range of outcomes among Maryland physics programs—a $15,000 spread between schools—suggests that institutional resources and connections matter. Ask Frostburg directly about graduate school placement rates, industry partnerships, and where recent physics majors have landed jobs. The 89% admission rate and 33% Pell population indicate an accessible institution, but you'll want concrete evidence of how this specific program supports students into careers or advanced degrees.