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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,380 | $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 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.