Physics at University of Evansville

A debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 is typically manageable, and this program's estimated figures—$23,120 in debt against $47,670 in first-year earnings—suggest physics graduates enter the workforce on relatively solid financial footing. However, that earnings estimate is drawn from national medians rather than University of Evansville's actual outcomes, and there's a notable gap worth understanding: Indiana's median for physics programs sits at just $30,203, nearly $17,000 lower than the national figure. Whether this school performs closer to the national average or follows the state pattern makes an enormous difference in repayment timelines and financial flexibility.

The state comparison reveals substantial variation. Purdue, the only Indiana program with reported data, shows earnings of $30,203—identical to the state median but far below what comparable national programs achieve. If University of Evansville's outcomes track closer to Indiana norms, that initial debt burden becomes considerably heavier relative to actual paychecks. Physics degrees generally open doors to strong career trajectories, but location and employer networks heavily influence starting salaries.

Given the uncertainty here, focus on what you can verify: where recent graduates actually work and what roles they secure. Contact the department directly for placement outcomes. A physics degree from a smaller private university can provide research opportunities and faculty mentorship that larger programs don't, but those advantages need to translate into concrete employment outcomes that justify the investment, especially if earnings lean toward the state median rather than the national one.