Physics at The University of Tampa

A debt-to-earnings ratio near 0.5 signals manageable financial risk, but the full picture here depends heavily on comparisons. Based on peer physics programs nationally, this private university's estimated first-year earnings of $47,670 trail what similar programs in Florida typically produce—the state median sits at $50,960, and UCF physics graduates earn around $55,800. Meanwhile, the estimated $23,120 debt load runs about $3,700 higher than Florida's typical physics debt burden, reflecting The University of Tampa's private-school tuition structure.

The practical challenge: you're potentially paying more to earn less compared to in-state public alternatives. Physics graduates at Florida's flagship universities consistently command higher starting salaries while their students leave with lower debt. That gap matters when your child could access strong physics programs at institutions like UCF or USF, both of which publish actual outcome data showing better returns. The manageable debt ratio here offers some reassurance, but it's built on national estimates rather than this program's demonstrated track record with its graduates.

If your child is drawn to Tampa specifically—perhaps for smaller class sizes or campus culture—the financial fundamentals don't disqualify the program. But compare net costs directly against Florida's public options, and recognize you're making a choice based on estimated outcomes rather than proven results from this particular physics program.