Physics at Lewis & Clark College

Physics graduates from Oregon's small liberal arts colleges face an unusual market reality: their first-year earnings, based on data from comparable programs statewide, lag significantly behind what public research universities deliver. While Lewis & Clark's estimated $48,000 first-year salary aligns with the state median, Portland State reports actual outcomes nearly 30% higher at $63,000. That's a substantial gap for the same credential in the same metro area.

The estimated $23,000 in debt sits slightly below national norms for physics programs, which helps soften the value equation. A debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 suggests manageable repayment, though this assumes your child lands employment close to the state median rather than at the lower end of the range. The real question is whether Lewis & Clark's smaller class sizes and undergraduate research opportunities translate into graduate school acceptances or industry connections that could accelerate earnings growth beyond what these first-year figures capture.

For families weighing this investment, recognize that you're betting on outcomes that may differ considerably from these peer-program estimates. If your child is graduate-school bound, the liberal arts environment might serve them well regardless of initial salary. But for those planning to work immediately after graduation, understanding why Portland State's physics graduates earn 30% more—and whether your child could access that path instead—deserves serious attention before committing.