Physics at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley's physics program produces solid outcomes at remarkably low debt, though the earnings trail some unexpected competitors. Graduates earn $50,219 in their first year—right at the California median—while carrying just $15,508 in debt, roughly $8,000 below the state median. That 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can manage their loans without financial strain, a meaningful advantage given Berkeley's 12% admission rate and the rigor implied by that selectivity.

The surprise here is positioning: despite Berkeley's prestige, its physics grads are outearned by programs at Cal Poly Pomona, UCLA, and several Cal State campuses in their early careers. The 60th percentile ranking within California suggests the program sits in the middle of the pack for immediate earnings, not at the top where many parents might expect. Strong 23% earnings growth to $61,607 by year four indicates Berkeley grads gain ground over time, but that still leaves them below some peers initially.

For families weighing Berkeley physics, this represents a strong value proposition primarily because of the debt picture—graduates avoid the burden that could limit their options for graduate school or less lucrative research positions. The earnings are respectable but not exceptional, which may reflect career paths that prioritize research or graduate study over immediate income maximization. If your child is pursuing physics for intellectual reasons rather than immediate earning potential, the low debt makes this path financially viable.