Analysis
Engineering Physics graduates from peer programs nationally earn around $57,500 in their first year—a solid starting point, though not the premium some parents might expect from an engineering degree. That figure sits at the national median for this specialized field, suggesting UNH's program likely delivers mainstream outcomes rather than exceptional ones. The estimated $24,250 in debt translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With only a handful of Engineering Physics programs nationwide reporting usable data, these estimates rest on a narrow foundation. New Hampshire has three schools offering this degree, but none publish graduate outcomes, leaving parents to extrapolate from national patterns. What we can say is that similar programs typically produce engineers who can handle their debt load within a reasonable timeframe—unlike many other bachelor's degrees where debt exceeds annual income.
For families weighing this investment, the fundamentals look workable: engineering credentials generally hold their value, and the debt burden appears modest relative to earning potential. But understand you're betting on UNH matching national norms without program-specific evidence to confirm it. If your student is set on this niche field, the financial framework seems sound enough to proceed—just recognize you're operating with less data than you'd have for more common engineering majors.
Where University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all engineering physics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Engineering Physics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,112 | $57,457* | — | $24,250* | — | |
| $21,186 | $72,858* | $87,900 | $21,500* | 0.30 | |
| $8,315 | $68,379* | $75,848 | $27,000* | 0.39 | |
| $16,004 | $64,304* | $92,842 | $20,136* | 0.31 | |
| $9,708 | $58,025* | $67,485 | $19,521* | 0.34 | |
| $42,304 | $56,889* | — | $23,667* | 0.42 | |
| National Median | — | $57,457* | — | $24,706* | 0.43 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering physics graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Physicists
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
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 New Hampshire-Main Campus, approximately 18% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 8 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.