Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 suggests manageable financial risk, but the limited data here warrants caution. Based on three Massachusetts physics programs, this bachelor's degree shows estimated first-year earnings around $49,400—right at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark. The estimated $23,100 in debt aligns closely with what physics graduates typically carry nationally. However, these figures come from peer programs, not Simmons' actual outcomes, meaning the real picture could differ significantly given the school's distinctive characteristics.
Physics programs can vary dramatically in their pathways—some feed directly into tech industry jobs, others prepare students primarily for graduate school where earnings lag initially but potentially compound later. At a mid-sized private university like Simmons, the question becomes whether their physics curriculum connects students to Boston's robust biotech and research sectors, or whether graduates face a tougher job search than those from MIT or Northeastern down the road. The 66% admission rate and solid SAT scores suggest a capable student body, but without actual placement data, you're making assumptions about outcomes.
The numbers suggest reasonable risk if your child plans to work immediately after graduation, but demand concrete answers from Simmons: Where do physics graduates actually land jobs? What percentage pursue graduate degrees? Without school-specific outcomes, you're essentially betting on Simmons delivering results comparable to the state average—possible, but not guaranteed.
Where Simmons University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all physics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Physics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,538 | $49,399* | — | $23,120* | — | |
| $60,156 | $54,773* | $166,156 | $18,500* | 0.34 | |
| $63,141 | $49,399* | — | $26,797* | 0.54 | |
| $16,570 | $48,324* | — | $22,177* | 0.46 | |
| 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 Simmons University, approximately 30% 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 median of 3 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.