Est. Earnings (1yr)
$47,670
Est. from national median (75 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,424
Est. from national median (80 programs)

Analysis

Based on national peers, a physics bachelor's typically generates around $47,700 in first-year earnings against roughly $23,400 in debt—a manageable 0.49 ratio that suggests graduates can handle their loan payments without strain. However, these figures come from similar programs nationwide rather than OU-Norman's specific outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about how this particular program performs.

Physics is one of those degrees where the immediate career path matters enormously. Graduates heading straight into industry roles—quality control, data analysis, technical consulting—often see solid entry wages. Those pursuing graduate school (common in physics) may accept lower initial earnings while working toward higher credentials. The estimated debt load here is actually modest compared to many bachelor's programs, which provides flexibility regardless of which path a graduate chooses.

The key question is whether OU-Norman's physics program matches the national pattern or deviates from it. The university's 77% admission rate and solid SAT average suggest a respectable but not elite student body, which could influence both program rigor and employer perception. For a student genuinely interested in physics and likely to complete the degree, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value—but recognize you're making that call without this school's actual track record.

Where University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all physics bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

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$47,670*—$23,424*—
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte$7,214$70,150*—$28,750*0.41
Brigham Young UniversityProvo$6,496$68,664*$76,268—*—
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia$66,104$68,215*——*—
Whitworth UniversitySpokane$50,920$65,316*—$23,250*0.36
California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona$7,439$64,045*$51,682$23,000*0.36
National Median—$47,670*—$23,304*0.49
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with physics graduates

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

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 75 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.