Physics at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

UNL's physics program hits the national median for earnings at $47,670, but the real story here is the small sample size—fewer than 30 recent graduates reported data. That statistical caveat matters because Nebraska has only nine schools offering physics degrees, and this program performs at the 60th percentile statewide, suggesting it's above average for in-state options even if the numbers aren't dramatically different from state medians.

The debt picture is actually encouraging: at $25,209, graduates carry below-average debt for physics majors nationally (34th percentile), creating a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio. A physics graduate would need roughly half their first year's salary to pay off loans, which is reasonable territory. Physics remains a solid foundation for careers in research, engineering, data science, and teaching, though earnings potential often depends heavily on whether graduates pursue advanced degrees or move directly into industry.

The combination of moderate debt and mid-range earnings creates acceptable financial risk, but the small cohort size means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. For Nebraska families seeking an affordable physics degree from a major research university, this represents a sensible choice—just recognize that your child's actual outcomes may vary more than they would at programs with larger, more stable datasets.