Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 looks manageable on paper, but context matters: comparable Physics programs in Pennsylvania typically produce first-year earnings around $68,000—substantially higher than the $47,670 this program tracks toward based on national medians. That $20,000 gap is significant when you're facing loan payments, and it suggests Moravian's Physics graduates may be competing in a different employment market than their Penn State or University of Pennsylvania counterparts. The estimated $23,120 debt figure aligns closely with national norms for the credential, but paired with below-state earnings, it creates a tighter financial picture than many Pennsylvania families might expect.
Physics degrees typically open doors to research positions, graduate school, or technical roles in industry, but outcomes vary widely based on curriculum rigor, internship pipelines, and regional employer connections. Without actual graduate outcomes for this specific program, there's real uncertainty about whether Moravian's smaller scale translates to close faculty mentorship and research opportunities, or simply fewer industry connections than larger Pennsylvania programs command. The 54% admission rate and modest test scores suggest this isn't competing for the same student pool as research universities, which may also signal different graduate school and career trajectories.
If your child is committed to Physics and values a small-college environment, understand you're accepting meaningful uncertainty about post-graduation outcomes and likely lower first-year earnings than state peers produce. That's a trade-off worth making only if the fit is exceptional.
Where Moravian University 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $52,000 | $47,670* | — | $23,120* | — | |
| $66,104 | $68,215* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $47,670* | — | $23,304* | 0.49 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with physics graduates
Physicists
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
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 Moravian University, 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.