Analysis
A debt load around $23,000 against estimated first-year earnings of $47,670 creates a manageable starting point—the 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold. These figures come from national medians of similar physics bachelor's programs, so they reflect typical outcomes rather than Southeastern Louisiana's specific track record. Physics degrees generally lead to versatile career paths in research, education, engineering support, and data analysis, which helps explain why graduates across peer programs tend to command solid starting salaries.
What matters most here is whether your student will actually complete the degree and leverage it effectively. Southeastern Louisiana's 94% admission rate and modest SAT profile suggest it serves students who might not access more selective programs, but small cohort sizes in physics (hence the suppressed data) can mean limited course offerings or fewer specialized tracks. The national benchmark of $47,670 represents the middle of the pack—half of physics programs produce higher earners, half lower. Without knowing whether Southeastern Louisiana's graduates land closer to the $54,488 mark or below the median, you're betting on average outcomes.
The debt burden appears reasonable enough that even if earnings come in below the estimate, your student shouldn't face crushing payments. But confirm what percentage of physics students here actually graduate and where they typically land jobs—regional career placement matters more than estimated national figures.
Where Southeastern Louisiana University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all physics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Physics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,373 | $47,670* | — | $23,424* | — | |
| $7,214 | $70,150* | — | $28,750* | 0.41 | |
| $6,496 | $68,664* | $76,268 | —* | — | |
| $66,104 | $68,215* | — | —* | — | |
| $50,920 | $65,316* | — | $23,250* | 0.36 | |
| $7,439 | $64,045* | $51,682 | $23,000* | 0.36 | |
| 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 Southeastern Louisiana University, approximately 33% 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 national median of 75 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.