Physics at Longwood University

Based on the three Virginia physics programs with reported outcomes, this bachelor's degree appears positioned in the middle of the state's range—above VCU's $39,804 but well below Virginia Tech's $58,061. The estimated first-year earnings of $46,641 track closely with both the state and national medians, suggesting typical outcomes for physics graduates.

The estimated debt load of $25,250 translates to a manageable 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. For a STEM field where graduate school is common, this moderate debt level preserves flexibility—you're not locked into immediate employment if your child wants to pursue advanced degrees. Physics bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones to engineering, data science, or research careers, and comparable Virginia programs suggest this path won't require excessive borrowing.

The challenge here is that physics departments at accessible institutions like Longwood (85% admission rate) often have small graduating classes, which is why actual outcomes data isn't available. The estimated figures suggest reasonable value, but without knowing how many students complete the program or where they land specifically, you're betting on your child's ability to leverage the degree effectively. If they're committed to physics and graduate school isn't ruled out, the debt picture looks workable—just recognize these estimates reflect peer programs, not Longwood's specific track record.