Physics at Whitworth University

Whitworth's physics graduates are earning $65,316 one year out—dramatically outpacing both Washington's median ($41,474) and the national benchmark ($47,670) for physics degrees. That 95th percentile ranking in both state and national contexts is remarkable, especially from a regional university with an 87% admission rate. These graduates are out-earning even those from UW-Seattle, typically the state's powerhouse for STEM fields.

The debt load of $23,250 sits right at the national median for physics programs, yielding a healthy 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means your child would owe roughly four months' salary—manageable territory for launching a career. The caveat here is the small cohort size (under 30 graduates), which means a few high earners could skew the picture upward. Still, the consistency across both state and national rankings suggests genuine strength rather than statistical noise.

For a physics student choosing between larger state schools and Whitworth's smaller setting, these numbers make a compelling case. The program appears to deliver strong industry connections or graduate school placement despite the university's relatively accessible admissions profile. Just verify that recent trends continue—with small programs, outcomes can shift year to year as faculty or local employer relationships change.