Est. Earnings (1yr)
$47,670
Est. from national median (75 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,120
Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

With limited direct outcomes data for King University's physics program, families should know they're making decisions based on what peer programs typically produce rather than this school's specific track record. Nationally, physics bachelor's programs report a median first-year salary of $47,670, which is what comparable programs suggest for King's graduates. The estimated debt load of $23,120 sits slightly below the national median for physics programs, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5—generally considered manageable territory.

The challenge here isn't necessarily the numbers themselves, but the uncertainty around them. King serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (42%), suggesting strong access for lower-income families, but without actual graduate outcomes, it's impossible to know whether King's physics majors match the national pattern or fall short. Physics degrees can lead to diverse career paths—from engineering roles to data science to graduate school—so first-year earnings tell only part of the story. Some graduates may be earning considerably more while others pursue advanced degrees, temporarily depressing the average.

If your child is seriously considering King's physics program, the key question is whether the school provides the research opportunities, faculty mentorship, and graduate school or industry connections that make physics degrees valuable. The estimated financials don't suggest a crisis, but they also don't prove this particular program delivers strong returns. Direct conversations with the department about graduate outcomes and placement rates would fill critical gaps that the federal data can't.

Where King University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all physics bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Physics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
King UniversityBristol$34,800$47,670*$23,120*
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte$7,214$70,150*$28,750*0.41
Brigham Young UniversityProvo$6,496$68,664*$76,268*
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia$66,104$68,215**
Whitworth UniversitySpokane$50,920$65,316*$23,250*0.36
California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona$7,439$64,045*$51,682$23,000*0.36
National Median$47,670*$23,304*0.49
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with physics graduates

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

$166,290/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 King University, approximately 42% 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.