Physics at Muskingum University

A debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 typically signals manageable debt, and this program's estimated figures—$47,670 in first-year earnings against $23,120 in debt—hit that mark. But context matters here. Similar physics programs in Ohio report median earnings around $53,504, suggesting graduates from peer institutions are earning roughly $6,000 more annually. That gap isn't devastating, but over several years of loan repayment, it adds up.

The national picture offers some reassurance. These estimated earnings match the national median for physics bachelor's programs, meaning this program appears competitively positioned relative to the broader field, even if it trails Ohio's state average. Physics degrees generally lead to decent first-year outcomes, and the debt burden—estimated from comparable private institutions—sits just below the national median of $23,304. For a school with an 82% admission rate serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students (41%), these projected outcomes suggest the program delivers reasonable value without requiring top-tier academic credentials for entry.

The key uncertainty is whether Muskingum's specific physics program matches these peer benchmarks or deviates significantly. The small graduate cohort that triggered data suppression makes it impossible to know if actual outcomes trend higher or lower. If your child is strongly committed to physics and attracted to Muskingum's environment, these estimates suggest financial risk is moderate—but confirming that graduates actually secure physics-related positions would be worth the effort.