Median Debt
$27,000
16% above national median

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Physics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (31 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Massachusetts-Amherst$53,821$27,000
Massachusetts Institute of Technology$54,773$166,156$18,5000.34
Northeastern University$49,399$26,7970.54
University of Massachusetts-Lowell$48,324$22,1770.46
National Median$47,670$23,3040.49

Other Physics Programs in Massachusetts

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge
$60,156$54,773$18,500
Northeastern University
Boston
$63,141$49,399$26,797
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell
$16,570$48,324$22,177

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 Massachusetts-Amherst, approximately 20% 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.