Physics at William Jewell College

A physics bachelor's degree typically commands strong starting salaries, and the $47,670 estimated for this program aligns with the national median. However, the estimated debt load of $23,120 runs considerably higher than what other Missouri physics programs typically produce—about $16,000 at the state median. That gap matters when you're looking at a private liberal arts college versus larger public institutions that may offer similar physics training at lower cost.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 suggests manageable repayment in theory—roughly half a year's salary. But this estimate is drawn from national peers rather than William Jewell's actual graduate outcomes, which the Department of Education suppresses due to small sample sizes. Physics cohorts at smaller colleges can vary significantly year to year depending on individual student trajectories and whether graduates pursue industry jobs, research positions, or graduate school immediately after graduation.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether William Jewell's smaller class sizes and personalized attention justify the premium over Missouri's public options. If your child thrives in close-knit academic environments and the extra $7,000 in debt feels sustainable, the estimated outcomes don't raise red flags. But if cost is a primary concern, comparable programs in Missouri appear to deliver similar career prospects with substantially less borrowing.