Physics at Lenoir-Rhyne University

Physics graduates in North Carolina typically command strong starting salaries, and this program appears positioned in that favorable range. With estimated first-year earnings around $63,000—drawn from the three North Carolina physics programs with reportable data—Lenoir-Rhyne's graduates would be earning well above the $48,000 national median for bachelor's-level physics. The estimated debt load of $23,000 creates a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly one-third of their first-year salary.

The challenge is the limited data itself. When fewer than 10 students complete a program in a reporting period, the Department of Education suppresses outcomes to protect privacy. This small cohort size at Lenoir-Rhyne means we're relying on peer comparisons rather than this school's actual track record. North Carolina's physics programs span a wide range—from NC State's $44,000 to UNC Charlotte's $70,000—so individual program quality, faculty connections, and research opportunities matter considerably. At a private university with an 81% admission rate, you're paying for smaller classes and more personalized attention, but whether that translates into the higher end of state outcomes is unclear.

The fundamentals look sound if the estimates hold true: physics degrees generally lead to employable skills, the estimated debt is reasonable, and North Carolina's job market seems supportive. But you're making this investment without seeing this specific program's results—a meaningful blind spot when evaluating a $100,000+ degree.