Physics at Southeast Missouri State University

A debt load of $23,424 puts physics graduates from Southeast Missouri State roughly in line with national norms for the field, though notably above the $16,005 median for Missouri physics programs. Paired with estimated first-year earnings of $47,670—derived from national physics bachelor's outcomes—the 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, assuming these comparable program patterns hold true locally.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Physics is offered at 19 Missouri institutions, but small graduate cohorts mean we're working entirely from national estimates rather than actual Southeast Missouri State outcomes or even Missouri-specific earnings data. The field typically rewards those who continue to graduate school or enter technical roles, but whether Southeast Missouri State's physics graduates follow those paths—and at what salary levels in the region's job market—remains unclear. The university's 79% admission rate and modest test scores suggest a different student profile than research-intensive programs that dominate national physics data.

For families considering this program, the estimated numbers don't raise red flags, but they don't tell a complete story either. If your child is genuinely committed to physics and plans for graduate study or has clear career targets, the debt appears reasonable. But verify what recent graduates actually do after leaving—career services should be able to share placement patterns even if the DOE can't publish the earnings data.