Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$57,457
Est. from national median (8 programs)
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$24,250
Est. from national median (6 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

Engineering Physics typically launches graduates into solid technical careers, and the estimated $57,457 first-year salary from comparable programs nationwide aligns with the national median for this specialized field. Combined with estimated debt around $24,250—yielding a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio—the financial foundation appears reasonable. What's worth noting is UConn-Waterbury's 87% admission rate and substantial Pell grant population (50%), suggesting this campus may offer more accessible entry into a rigorous program than selective engineering schools.

The challenge is that both earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from peer programs nationally, since too few graduates exist at this specific campus to report actual outcomes. Engineering Physics is an unusual major—only 135 schools nationwide offer it, and Connecticut has just six programs total. This could mean UConn-Waterbury's program is small and specialized, or it might indicate lower demand. Either way, without campus-specific data, you're working from educated guesses about what similar programs produce elsewhere.

For families considering this investment, the question becomes whether UConn-Waterbury can deliver outcomes matching these national benchmarks. If your student is drawn to this niche field and values the regional campus setting, the estimated debt burden isn't alarming. But given the data gaps, verify that this campus has the research facilities, faculty expertise, and industry connections that make engineering physics programs successful—and confirm where recent graduates actually landed.

Where University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all engineering physics bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Engineering Physics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury$17,462$57,457*$24,250*
Colorado School of MinesGolden$21,186$72,858*$87,900$21,500*0.30
University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville$8,315$68,379*$75,848$27,000*0.39
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$64,304*$92,842$20,136*0.31
Murray State UniversityMurray$9,708$58,025*$67,485$19,521*0.34
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach$42,304$56,889*$23,667*0.42
National Median$57,457*$24,706*0.43
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with engineering physics graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

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 University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus, approximately 50% 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 national median of 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.