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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,377 | $47,670* | — | $23,424* | — | |
| $12,859 | $53,504* | $72,007 | $23,357* | 0.44 | |
| National Median | — | $47,670* | — | $23,304* | 0.49 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with physics graduates
Physicists
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
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.