Physics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Based on similar physics programs in Massachusetts, WPI's graduates appear positioned right at the state median with estimated first-year earnings around $49,400, while carrying debt that's slightly below both state and national averages at roughly $23,100. The resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 suggests manageable repayment—about half a year's income—though it's worth noting these figures come from peer programs rather than WPI's specific outcomes, which aren't publicly reported due to small sample sizes.

The estimate puts WPI in the middle of Massachusetts' physics landscape, trailing MIT's reported $54,700 but matching Northeastern's outcomes. For a school with WPI's 59% admission rate and technical reputation, landing at the state median may seem unremarkable, though physics majors nationwide typically start around $47,700, so the Massachusetts market appears slightly stronger overall. The relatively low debt burden—less than six months of expected salary—gives graduates breathing room that many STEM fields don't always provide.

The practical challenge here is uncertainty: without school-specific data, you're essentially betting that WPI performs like the average Massachusetts physics program. If your student is choosing between schools with reported outcomes and WPI, that lack of concrete data becomes a real consideration, especially at a price point that typically runs higher than public alternatives. The fundamentals look reasonable, but you're making that judgment without seeing WPI's actual track record.