Analysis
Similar physics programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $47,670 with roughly $23,400 in debt—a 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable compared to many bachelor's degrees. Physics graduates at comparable institutions typically enter fields where earnings grow substantially with experience, whether in research, engineering, data science, or graduate school preparation. The challenge here is that without program-specific outcomes, you're relying on national patterns rather than knowing how Kennesaw State's particular curriculum, faculty connections, and regional employer relationships translate into opportunities.
Georgia's physics landscape shows enormous variation. Georgia College's program produces graduates earning over $62,000 in their first year, while Georgia State's sit at $31,000—a difference that likely reflects both the types of physics roles graduates pursue and whether they continue immediately to graduate school. Kennesaw State's admission profile (69% acceptance, 1120 average SAT, 35% Pell recipients) suggests a solid regional state university, but you can't assume outcomes will match the stronger performers in the state without seeing actual graduate data.
The debt load appears reasonable if earnings follow typical physics patterns, but physics is a degree where the next step matters enormously—whether that's graduate school, teaching, industry work, or pivoting to tech roles. Before committing, contact the department directly to ask about recent graduate outcomes, research opportunities, and industry partnerships that might predict success beyond what these estimates can show.
Where Kennesaw State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all physics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Physics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,786 | $47,670* | — | $23,424* | — | |
| $8,998 | $62,478* | — | —* | — | |
| $8,478 | $31,001* | $50,281 | $26,296* | 0.85 | |
| National Median | — | $47,670* | — | $23,304* | 0.49 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with physics graduates
Physicists
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Kennesaw State University, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 75 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.