Est. Earnings (1yr)
$47,670
Est. from national median (75 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,424
Est. from national median (80 programs)

Analysis

Pennsylvania's physics programs typically launch graduates into $68,215 first-year salaries, making the estimated $47,670 for comparable programs nationwide—the best available proxy for Millersville—a significant gap worth understanding. That's roughly $20,000 less than what peer programs across the state report, though the modest estimated debt load of $23,424 keeps the financial picture from becoming prohibitive.

The 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio based on these national estimates suggests manageable repayment if the actual outcomes align with similar programs. Physics graduates generally enjoy strong career flexibility, and the skills translate well into engineering, data science, and technical roles beyond traditional physics careers. However, the wide variance between Pennsylvania's median and the national figure hints that location and program placement support matter considerably in this field.

Without actual data for Millersville's physics graduates specifically, you're evaluating this program with considerable uncertainty. The key questions become whether Millersville's physics department has strong industry connections in Pennsylvania's technology corridor, what percentage of graduates pursue graduate school (where undergraduate earnings matter less), and whether the 89% admission rate reflects accessibility or signals weaker preparation for competitive physics careers. Request placement data directly from the department—where graduates land and what they're earning—before committing to a program where the state's typical outcomes differ so dramatically from the national baseline.

Where Millersville University of Pennsylvania Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all physics bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Physics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (48 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Millersville University of PennsylvaniaMillersville$12,262$47,670*—$23,424*—
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia$66,104$68,215*——*—
National Median—$47,670*—$23,304*0.49
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with physics graduates

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

$166,290/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Millersville University of Pennsylvania, approximately 27% 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.