Physics at Siena College

A $26,000 debt load against estimated first-year earnings around $48,600 creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio that falls well below the national median for physics programs. While Siena's small graduate pool means we're working with estimates based on six other New York physics programs, that $26,000 figure sits slightly above the state median debt of $20,270—suggesting students here may be taking on moderately more borrowing than peers at larger state institutions.

The estimated earnings align almost exactly with New York's median for physics bachelor's degrees, placing Siena in the middle of the pack statewide. Cornell and RPI graduates pull significantly higher starting salaries, but Siena's outcomes track closely with established programs at CUNY City College and Rochester Institute of Technology. For a liberal arts college with a 71% admission rate, staying competitive with the state median indicates solid physics preparation and employer reception.

The practical math works in students' favor: a 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio means roughly half a year's salary in debt, manageable for most graduates entering technical fields where advancement typically comes quickly. The uncertainty here stems from limited sample size rather than red flags in the available numbers. Parents should verify that Siena's physics program offers the specific research opportunities or grad school preparation their student needs, but the financial foundation appears sound for a mid-tier private college.