Physics at St Catherine University

Similar physics programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $47,670, which falls notably below the Minnesota median of $54,350 for this field. That $7,000 gap matters when you're starting your career, particularly for a STEM degree where Minnesota programs typically command stronger initial salaries. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities reports that higher state median, showing what's possible for physics graduates who stay local.

The estimated debt load of $23,120 creates a manageable 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning roughly half of first-year income would cover the full debt burden. That's a reasonable position by any standard. However, the earnings estimate comes from national data across 75 physics programs, which may not capture what's unique about St Catherine's outcomes or its physics graduates' career paths. Physics majors often pursue graduate school or specialized fields where initial earnings don't tell the complete story.

For parents, the practical concern is whether this program positions graduates competitively within Minnesota's market. The earnings gap compared to other state programs suggests you'll want to understand what drives St Catherine's outcomes differently—whether that's graduate school placement, specific career paths, or regional employment patterns. The debt is reasonable, but you're potentially paying the same to earn less initially than peers at other Minnesota schools.