Physics at Midwestern State University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 looks manageable on paper, but the context matters considerably here. Similar physics programs across Texas suggest first-year earnings around $39,285—roughly $8,400 below the national median for physics bachelor's degrees. That gap isn't trivial when you're starting a STEM career, especially in a field where graduate education often becomes necessary for advancement.

The physics degree is notably portable, which helps offset location-specific earnings concerns, but comparable programs at Texas Tech and Texas A&M produce graduates earning $18,000-$14,000 more in their first year. Whether that difference reflects the caliber of students entering these programs, regional job market access, or other factors isn't clear from the data alone. What is clear: Midwestern State serves a population where 40% receive Pell grants, suggesting many students are weighing financial constraints heavily in their college choice.

For families considering this program, the estimated $23,500 debt load aligns with both state and national norms for physics degrees, making it neither particularly risky nor advantageous. The real question is whether your student plans to pursue graduate school—where the undergraduate institution matters less—or enter the workforce directly, where alumni networks and recruiting pipelines can significantly impact early-career earnings. If staying close to home in North Texas makes this the affordable option, it's defensible, but students with broader geographic flexibility might find better returns elsewhere in the state.