Physics at John Carroll University

At just under $24,000 in debt, this physics program's estimated borrowing looks manageable—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 suggests graduates could feasibly pay off their loans within 2-3 years of full-time work. However, the estimated first-year earnings of $47,670 trail what similar programs across Ohio typically produce. Ohio's median for physics bachelor's graduates sits at $53,504, nearly $6,000 higher, with Ohio State reporting that exact figure for its graduates.

This gap matters because physics degrees often serve as launching pads for higher-paying technical careers or graduate school. If John Carroll's physics graduates follow national patterns, the lower starting point could mean slower wealth accumulation in those crucial early career years. The 81% admission rate and solid SAT scores suggest this isn't an issue of student preparation—it may reflect the program's regional employment connections or the industries where graduates land their first jobs.

The practical takeaway: John Carroll appears positioned to deliver a physics degree without crushing debt, but families should investigate where recent graduates actually end up working. If most secure technical positions at Cleveland-area companies rather than relocating for higher-paying opportunities elsewhere in Ohio or nationally, that $47,670 estimate may prove accurate—and the reasonable debt load still makes it workable.