Physics at University of Missouri-St Louis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 looks manageable on paper—based on national patterns, Physics bachelor's graduates typically earn around $47,700 in their first year and carry roughly $23,400 in debt. That's half a year's salary, which falls within conventional "affordable" territory. However, Missouri programs in this field typically produce graduates with substantially less debt—around $16,000 at the state median—suggesting this estimated figure sits on the higher end for the state.

Physics degrees generally offer decent economic fundamentals: the field attracts students with strong quantitative skills, and first-year earnings tend to grow as graduates move into research positions, technical roles, or graduate programs. The challenge here is uncertainty. With no reported outcomes from UMSL's actual Physics graduates and limited comparable data from Missouri schools, you're relying entirely on national averages to project what your child might earn and owe. That national figure doesn't account for regional employer networks, curriculum differences, or the specific career paths UMSL graduates typically pursue.

Before committing, press the department for placement details: where do their Physics majors actually land after graduation? What percentage continue to graduate school versus entering the workforce? If those outcomes align with the national profile and your child is genuinely committed to the field, the estimated numbers aren't alarming. But if the school can't demonstrate concrete career trajectories for their Physics graduates, you're making a $23,000 bet on incomplete information.