Physics at Manhattan University

Physics graduates in New York typically begin their careers around $48,600, and this program's estimated outcomes align with that state median—a reasonable starting point that matches the national benchmark almost exactly. With an estimated $20,270 in debt, graduates would face monthly loan payments of roughly $230, which represents a manageable burden when spread against first-year earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 suggests a sustainable financial start, though it's worth noting this sits slightly below the national median debt of $23,300.

The challenge here is visibility. Because graduation numbers are small enough that the Department of Education suppresses the actual data, we're relying on what peer physics programs in New York typically produce. The school's 78% admission rate and middle-tier SAT scores suggest it serves a different student population than the state's elite physics programs—Rensselaer grads start at $60,000, for instance—but the estimated outcomes still cluster near programs like CUNY City College and Rochester Institute of Technology.

For families willing to accept some uncertainty about this specific program's track record, the estimated financial picture suggests a workable investment if your child is committed to physics. The debt load appears modest and the earnings typical for the field. The real question is whether Manhattan University provides the research opportunities and graduate school preparation that physics majors often need for career advancement—something the limited enrollment data makes harder to verify.