Physics at Monmouth College

Physics programs carry significant earning potential nationwide, but estimated outcomes at Monmouth College fall slightly below what Illinois students typically achieve in this field. While peer programs across the nation suggest first-year earnings around $47,670, physics graduates at larger Illinois institutions average $51,019—a meaningful gap for STEM work that usually commands premium starting salaries. The estimated $23,120 debt load aligns closely with national norms for physics programs, producing a manageable 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than many bachelor's degrees.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Monmouth's small physics cohorts mean the Department of Education can't publish actual outcomes, forcing reliance on national benchmarks that may not reflect what a small liberal arts college in rural Illinois delivers. Physics programs vary dramatically in their connections to industry, research opportunities, and graduate school placement—factors that matter enormously but don't show up in estimated earnings data. The school's 87% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest a different student profile than larger research universities, which could translate to different career trajectories.

If your child is genuinely passionate about physics and thrives in small classroom settings, Monmouth could work—but only with a clear plan for what comes after graduation. Talk to the department about where recent graduates actually ended up, whether they're landing jobs at national labs or companies that recruit from small Midwest schools, and how many continue to graduate programs. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but you need real placement data to make this decision confidently.