Physics at University of Portland

Physics graduates from comparable programs in Oregon earn around $48,000 in their first year—right in line with the national median for physics bachelor's degrees. At an estimated $23,000 in debt, University of Portland students would face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48, meaning roughly half a year's salary to pay off. That's a reasonable starting point, though physics salaries typically grow substantially with experience and advanced training.

The caveat here is significant: both earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from peer programs because this specific program's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to report. With only three physics programs in Oregon providing earnings data, we're looking at a limited picture even at the state level. Portland State physics graduates, for instance, earn $63,000—about 30% more than the state median—showing how much variation exists even within the same market.

For parents, this means weighing unknowns. Physics is a solid major with strong long-term prospects, but you're investing based on what similar programs produce rather than this school's track record. The estimated debt load is modest compared to many private universities, and the school's 95% acceptance rate suggests accessible entry. If your child is committed to physics and drawn to University of Portland specifically, the estimated numbers don't present obvious red flags—just recognize you're working with approximations, not proven outcomes.