Physics at Ohio Northern University

Based on comparable physics programs nationally, Ohio Northern's estimated first-year earnings of $47,670 fall short of what similar programs in Ohio typically produce. The state median of $53,504—exemplified by Ohio State's reported outcomes—suggests physics graduates in Ohio generally command nearly $6,000 more in their first year. At a moderately selective institution with relatively low Pell enrollment, this gap raises questions about whether the program provides the same launching pad as its in-state peers.

The estimated debt of $23,120 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49, meaning graduates could theoretically devote less than half their first-year income to loan repayment. This positions the program better than many bachelor's degrees nationwide, where ratios above 1.0 are increasingly common. Physics degrees also tend to open doors to graduate programs and technical careers where earnings accelerate significantly after the first year, potentially making this initial earnings lag less consequential over time.

The challenge is the uncertainty: with no reported data for this specific program, you're relying entirely on national patterns that may not reflect Ohio Northern's particular strengths or employer connections. If your child is considering physics here, getting concrete placement outcomes directly from the department—where graduates actually land, what they earn—becomes essential rather than optional.