Physics at University of Memphis

A debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 is worth noting for a physics bachelor's degree, particularly at a broad-access institution where 40% of students receive Pell grants. Based on comparable physics programs nationally, first-year earnings around $47,670 with estimated debt of $23,424 suggests a manageable financial start—your child would owe roughly half a year's salary, which is below the threshold where debt typically becomes burdensome. Physics majors often pursue graduate study or enter specialized industries where earnings accelerate significantly after that initial year, making this early ratio especially relevant for those planning either path.

The University of Memphis's 93% admission rate means this program serves students who might not access physics training elsewhere. While we can't verify outcomes specific to this campus, the national context shows physics degrees typically produce solid returns regardless of institutional selectivity. Tennessee's median debt for physics programs runs slightly higher at $25,344, suggesting Memphis may offer relative value within the state, though without reported data from peer Tennessee schools, precise comparisons remain difficult.

The key question is trajectory: if your child plans graduate school, the moderate debt load won't cripple those plans. If they're heading straight to work in engineering, tech, or research support roles, that $47,670 estimate provides a realistic starting point. The absence of reported data means you're betting on broader patterns holding true for this specific program—reasonable odds for physics, less so for fields with wider outcome variation.