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

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 puts this program in reasonable territory financially, though peer physics programs in Ohio suggest stronger earning potential. The estimated $47,670 first-year salary sits below the state median of $53,504 for physics graduates, with flagship programs like Ohio State producing outcomes about $6,000 higher. The estimated $23,424 in debt aligns closely with what physics majors typically carry nationwide, meaning the earnings gap—not the debt load—drives the difference in financial outlook.

Physics degrees generally open doors to multiple career paths, from engineering and data science to research and teaching, which matters when evaluating a program where actual graduate outcomes aren't reported due to small sample sizes. The University of Toledo's 95% admission rate and solid SAT average suggest accessible entry, but without program-specific data, you're relying on national patterns rather than evidence of how this particular physics department connects students to jobs. Ohio's competitive landscape for physics programs means comparable options may exist with clearer track records.

The practical question is whether you're comfortable with uncertainty. If your child is committed to physics and values Toledo's location or cost structure, the estimated numbers don't signal disaster—just middle-of-the-pack outcomes based on what similar programs deliver. But if outcomes matter most, look for Ohio programs with reported data showing where their physics graduates actually land.

Where University of Toledo Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Physics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (37 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of ToledoToledo$12,377$47,670*$23,424*
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$53,504*$72,007$23,357*0.44
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 Toledo, approximately 26% 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.