Est. Earnings (1yr)
$49,399
Est. from MA median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,120
Est. from national median (20 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable Physics bachelor's programs in Massachusetts, Suffolk's estimated outcomes suggest a financially viable path. The $49,399 first-year earnings figure aligns with the state median and sits comfortably above the national benchmark of $47,670, while the estimated $23,120 debt load produces a manageable 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio. This means graduates would likely dedicate less than half their first-year income to debt—a workable starting position for a technical degree.

The context matters here: Physics programs in Massachusetts benefit from the state's concentration of research institutions and tech companies, which creates strong demand for STEM graduates even from schools without MIT's brand power. While Suffolk's estimated outcomes trail MIT's reported $54,773 by about $5,000, they match what Northeastern produces and exceed UMass Lowell—all without carrying significantly more debt than typical Physics programs nationally.

For an 85% admission rate school charging what appears to be reasonable tuition (given the moderate debt estimate), this represents solid middle-market value in an expensive state. The key uncertainty is whether Suffolk's specific program delivers these estimated outcomes—small graduate cohorts mean the actual data isn't published. If your child is committed to Physics and prefers Boston's urban setting, the financial fundamentals look sound enough to move forward, but connect with recent graduates directly to validate the career support and outcomes beyond what state averages can tell you.

Where Suffolk 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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Suffolk UniversityBoston$45,380$49,399*$23,120*
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge$60,156$54,773*$166,156$18,500*0.34
Northeastern UniversityBoston$63,141$49,399*$26,797*0.54
University of Massachusetts-LowellLowell$16,570$48,324*$22,177*0.46
National Median$47,670*$23,304*0.49
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with physics graduates

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

$166,290/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Suffolk University, approximately 27% 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.