Physics at University of Washington-Bothell Campus

UW Bothell's physics graduates start significantly below the national median at $41,474—landing in just the 36th percentile nationally. But here's what matters for Washington families: this program matches the state median exactly while carrying notably lower debt ($17,113 versus $23,304 nationally). At the 60th percentile among Washington physics programs, it's actually outperforming more than half the state's offerings despite being a younger, regional campus of the UW system.

The real story emerges in year four, when median earnings jump 64% to $68,071. That's the kind of trajectory that matters more than first-year numbers, especially in physics where many graduates pursue additional education or research positions before landing in higher-paying roles. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 means graduates owe less than half their starting salary—manageable even during that lower-earning first year. With UW Bothell's 92% admission rate, this represents an accessible entry point to the UW system's physics training.

The moderate sample size suggests some year-to-year variation is possible, and you're not getting University of Washington-Seattle outcomes (where early earnings also start at this same $41,474 point). But for families prioritizing low debt and strong earning growth over prestige, this program delivers solid value within Washington's physics landscape.