Physics at Metropolitan State University of Denver

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 tells a reasonable story for a physics degree, though the estimated $41,874 starting salary sits below the national median of $47,670 for physics graduates. Based on comparable Colorado programs, this puts Metro State's physics pathway in the middle of the pack—matching CU Boulder's outcomes but trailing Colorado State's $51,927. For a school with a 99% admission rate serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients, these figures suggest the program delivers access to a technical field without crushing debt.

The estimated $23,424 in borrowing aligns almost exactly with both state and national medians for physics degrees, meaning graduates here aren't taking on unusual debt loads. The challenge is whether mid-$40K earnings provide enough runway—that's roughly half what many physics grads at top research universities command, though it's also a starting point in a field where advanced degrees often unlock higher pay. Similar programs in Colorado show considerable variation, suggesting outcomes may depend heavily on individual career choices and whether graduates pursue further education.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is career trajectory. If your student plans to work immediately after graduation, these numbers suggest financial stability rather than prosperity. If they're using this as a stepping stone to graduate school or specialized technical work, the modest debt load leaves room for that next move without financial strain.