Physics at Union University

Physics programs typically launch graduates into solid starting salaries, and with first-year earnings around $47,670, this program aligns with national norms for the field. The estimated debt load of $23,120 produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49—meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. This is a comfortable position compared to many undergraduate programs, where debt often exceeds annual earnings.

The challenge here is that both figures are estimates drawn from peer institutions rather than Union's actual graduate outcomes. For a selective program at a moderately competitive school (47% admission rate, strong SAT scores), the real numbers could swing either way. Physics graduates from some programs earn well above $54,000 in their first year, while others struggle to find positions that utilize their degree immediately. The debt figure sits slightly below both the national median ($23,304) and Tennessee's median ($25,344), which is encouraging if accurate.

The fundamentals work—physics degrees generally pay off, and the estimated debt burden here isn't alarming. But without actual data from Union's program, you're betting on the school's ability to prepare students for physics careers at a level consistent with comparable institutions. If your child is committed to physics and Union offers strong lab facilities and research opportunities, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable financial footing, though you should expect some uncertainty about the actual return.