Physics at University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame physics graduates see their earnings more than double between years one and four, jumping from an estimated $48,000 to $87,000. That four-year figure stands well above what physics majors typically earn in Indiana (around $30,000) and suggests strong outcomes—though the first-year estimate comes from national peers since Notre Dame's own graduate sample was too small to report. The $21,500 debt load is actually slightly lower than the national median for physics programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 that looks manageable even in that first year.

The trajectory here tells an important story. Many Notre Dame physics graduates likely pursue graduate school or research positions that depress initial earnings, then move into higher-paying roles in industry, data science, or technical fields. The four-year earnings figure of $87,000 reflects this pattern and suggests the degree opens doors that take time to walk through. At a highly selective institution like Notre Dame (12% admission rate, 1510 average SAT), students benefit from strong peer networks and research opportunities that enhance long-term prospects.

For families who can manage the relatively modest debt, this program shows promise. The four-year earnings are documented outcomes from Notre Dame graduates specifically, not estimates, and they demonstrate that the investment can pay off—just not immediately. Expect a slow start followed by meaningful earnings growth.