Physics at University of Michigan-Dearborn

A physics degree from UM-Dearborn appears positioned right at the national midpoint, with peer programs nationally suggesting first-year earnings around $47,670 and debt near $23,424. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49—manageable territory where graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with about half of their first year's salary. The national benchmark puts this squarely in the middle of physics outcomes across 790 programs nationwide.

What complicates the picture is Michigan's own data. Similar physics programs across the state typically produce lower first-year earnings at $43,210, suggesting UM-Dearborn might outperform its regional competitors if it tracks closer to the national median. The contrast with UM-Ann Arbor ($53,019 first-year earnings) is notable but expected given the flagships' research resources and employer networks. More concerning is that even Michigan State's physics graduates start at $33,400, raising questions about Michigan's physics job market overall.

For families, the key question is whether this Dearborn campus can deliver on the national median outcome rather than falling to Michigan's lower state average. The estimated debt load is reasonable for a STEM field, but only if earnings materialize near that $48K mark. Given that 44% of students receive Pell grants, many families here are price-sensitive—the difference between a $48K outcome and a $43K one matters considerably when budgeting loan repayment.