Physics at Gonzaga University

Washington's physics programs show considerable variation, with Whitworth graduates earning around $65,000 while University of Washington campuses cluster near $41,500—the same figure estimated for Gonzaga based on these state peers. That estimated first-year salary sits below the national physics median of $47,670, suggesting this program may not deliver the same immediate earning power as comparable programs elsewhere. The debt burden tells a different story: Gonzaga's estimated $23,120 closely matches the national median for physics bachelor's degrees, making the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 reasonable by field standards.

The key uncertainty here is whether Gonzaga's physics graduates actually track with state averages or achieve different outcomes given the school's selective profile (average SAT of 1316). Physics degrees typically require graduate study for maximum earning potential, so first-year numbers may understate long-term value. However, starting nearly $6,000 below the national physics median means graduates face a steeper climb if they enter the workforce directly rather than continuing to graduate school.

For parents, the practical question is whether your child plans to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce immediately after graduation. If graduate school is likely, manageable debt matters more than first-year earnings. If not, comparable programs nationally are producing measurably stronger initial outcomes, and you're relying on estimates that may or may not reflect Gonzaga's actual track record.