Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 suggests Physics at Wittenberg offers a manageable financial picture, with estimated first-year earnings of $47,670 against roughly $23,000 in debt. Comparable Physics programs nationally produce similar earnings outcomes, though Ohio programs typically run higher at around $53,500—meaning this estimate sits below the state median by several thousand dollars. For context, Ohio State's Physics graduates start at that higher $53,500 figure, suggesting a potential earnings premium at Ohio's flagship institution.
The estimated debt load aligns closely with national norms for Physics bachelor's programs, which is encouraging. However, the gap between national-level estimates and Ohio-specific outcomes raises questions about how Wittenberg's graduates compare to peers within their job market. Physics degrees generally lead to solid technical employment, but whether Wittenberg's alumni command state-typical salaries or track closer to national medians remains uncertain given the estimation method here.
For parents evaluating this investment, the fundamentals look reasonable: a sub-0.5 debt ratio typically allows comfortable loan repayment, and Physics credentials open doors in engineering, research, and technical fields. The real question is whether your student will achieve Ohio-level outcomes or something closer to the national baseline. Visit campus to understand career placement support and where recent graduates actually land—those specifics matter more than estimates when the data comes from peer programs rather than Wittenberg's own track record.
Where Wittenberg University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,602 | $47,670* | — | $23,120* | — | |
| $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 Wittenberg University, approximately 29% 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.