Est. Earnings (1yr)
$57,457
Est. from national median (8 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,250
Est. from national median (6 programs)

Analysis

Engineering physics programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $57,000, and Oklahoma's engineering physics graduates likely fall within this range. The estimated $24,250 debt load from OU-Norman creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42—meaning graduates would owe about five months of their first year's salary. That's a manageable starting point for an engineering degree.

What makes this assessment tricky is that we're working entirely from national patterns rather than OU-Norman's specific outcomes. The small graduate cohort means the university's actual results aren't publicly available. While engineering physics programs across the country typically perform solidly, individual schools can vary significantly based on curriculum focus, industry connections, and regional job markets. OU-Norman's reasonable admission standards and strong reputation in STEM fields suggest the program likely performs competitively, but without school-specific data, you're placing some trust in the general strength of engineering physics as a field rather than verified performance from this particular program.

The math works if the estimates hold true—a debt load under half of first-year earnings gives graduates breathing room to handle loan payments while building their careers. Just recognize you're making this decision with less certainty than you'd have with a larger program where actual outcomes are reported. If your child is committed to engineering physics specifically, the fundamentals look reasonable, but explore what makes OU's program distinctive and where recent graduates have landed.

Where University of Oklahoma-Norman 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

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman$9,595$57,457*$24,250*
Colorado School of MinesGolden$21,186$72,858*$87,900$21,500*0.30
University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville$8,315$68,379*$75,848$27,000*0.39
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$64,304*$92,842$20,136*0.31
Murray State UniversityMurray$9,708$58,025*$67,485$19,521*0.34
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona BeachDaytona Beach$42,304$56,889*$23,667*0.42
National Median$57,457*$24,706*0.43
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with engineering physics graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

$166,290/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

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 Oklahoma-Norman Campus, approximately 24% 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.