Analysis
A physics bachelor's from Loyola Maryland appears to follow a familiar liberal arts trajectory: estimated first-year earnings of $47,670 against $23,120 in debt. That 0.49 debt ratio sits comfortably in manageable territory—roughly half a year's salary—though the estimates here come from national peer programs since Loyola's physics cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish actual outcomes.
What's worth noting is the spread among Maryland's physics programs. Salisbury University graduates report $54,548 in first-year earnings, while UMD-College Park reports $39,825—a $15,000 swing that suggests outcomes depend heavily on which physics subfield or employer sector graduates enter. Loyola's estimated earnings fall right in the middle of this range, tracking closely with the state median of $47,186. For a smaller liberal arts program with a 76% admission rate, that suggests reasonable preparation, though whether Loyola's specific students match these peer outcomes remains uncertain given the data limitations.
The real consideration here is trajectory: physics majors often pursue graduate degrees or specialized training where the real earnings growth happens. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level and enter industry directly, scrutinize Loyola's career placement services and industry connections in Baltimore and DC. The debt load won't be crushing, but confirming whether this specific program channels students toward the higher-earning physics careers—not just the national average—matters when you're relying on estimates rather than tracked outcomes.
Where Loyola University Maryland Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all physics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Physics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $55,480 | $47,670* | — | $23,120* | — | |
| $10,638 | $54,548* | $73,937 | $23,750* | 0.44 | |
| $11,505 | $39,825* | $77,164 | $20,194* | 0.51 | |
| 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 Loyola University Maryland, approximately 18% 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.