Physics at Washburn University

A physics bachelor's degree from Washburn appears financially sound based on what comparable programs nationally produce. The estimated $23,424 in debt—drawn from similar-sized institutions—is actually slightly above the national median for physics programs, but it remains manageable against first-year earnings of roughly $47,670. That 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe about half their first-year salary, which falls well within the reasonable range for STEM fields.

The challenge here is that Kansas has 12 physics programs but none with publicly available earnings data, making it impossible to know how Washburn specifically compares to in-state alternatives. What we can say is that physics typically provides stronger financial returns than many liberal arts degrees, and the national figures suggest graduates entering fields like engineering, research, or technology with decent starting pay. The estimated debt level won't be crushing, particularly if students secure employment in their field.

For parents considering this program, the fundamentals look acceptable—STEM credential, manageable debt-to-earnings picture—but you're making this decision with limited visibility into Washburn's actual graduate outcomes. If your student is serious about physics and Washburn offers the right academic environment, the financial risk appears moderate. Just recognize you're trusting that Washburn's small physics cohort performs similarly to the national baseline.