Physics at University of the District of Columbia

A Bachelor's in Physics typically launches graduates into solid starting salaries, and peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $47,670—a respectable floor for a STEM degree. With estimated debt of $23,424, the 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably in investment territory, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. Physics degrees tend to appreciate over time as graduates move into research positions, graduate programs, or technical roles where the analytical skills command premium pay.

The challenge here isn't the financial picture, which looks reasonable based on national comparables—it's the uncertainty. The Department of Education suppresses this program's actual outcomes because too few graduates report data, making it impossible to know whether UDC's physics program performs like its peers or diverges significantly. In DC's competitive education landscape, with Georgetown, Howard, and American University nearby, understanding why graduate numbers are so small matters. It could signal a small, focused program or something less encouraging about retention and completion.

For families considering this path, the estimated numbers suggest physics could work financially, but you're betting on a program without verification. If your child is genuinely committed to physics and values UDC's mission and affordability for District residents, the projected debt load won't be crushing. Just recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility into how this specific program's graduates actually fare.