Physics at University of Florida

A $13,750 debt load stands out immediately—this ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, meaning only 5% of physics programs leave graduates with less debt. Compare that to the national median of $23,304 or even the Florida average of $19,452, and you're looking at nearly half the typical burden. For a University of Florida physics degree at a highly selective public institution (24% admission rate), this debt picture is genuinely impressive.

The earnings trajectory tells a more nuanced story. First-year earnings of around $48,000—drawn from national patterns since UF's graduate sample was too small to report—trail slightly behind the Florida median of $51,000 and programs like UCF's $56,000. But by year four, salaries jump to $66,000, suggesting physics graduates find their footing after an initial period of graduate school, research positions, or career exploration that can depress early numbers. That four-year mark puts them solidly above the state median.

With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29, graduates could theoretically clear their loans in under four months of pre-tax income. The real question for your family is whether the somewhat modest starting salary works financially, particularly if your student isn't immediately heading to graduate school or a high-paying industry role. But given UF's strong regional reputation and this exceptionally low debt burden, the program offers meaningful financial flexibility during those early career years when physics graduates are often making strategic moves rather than optimizing for immediate earnings.