Grad school · Physical sciences

Physics graduate programs: earnings and debt by school

240 colleges award master's degrees in physics. Graduates of the typical program earned $103,696 a year after finishing, and those who borrowed left with a median of $65,372 in federal loans taken at the school.

Master's programs240

Graduates in 2023-242,285

Typical median debt$65,372

Typical earnings 1 yr after$103,696

Typical earnings 4 yrs after$124,295

Earnings to debt1.6x

Official field: Physics. Admission figures such as LSAT, MCAT or GRE scores are not part of this federal data, so check each school.

Degree level	Programs	Typical earnings 1 yr after	Typical median debt
Master's	240	$103,696	$65,372
Doctoral	185	$93,146	n/a

Is it worth it? Debt vs first-year pay

Each dot is one master's program. Dots above the dashed line have graduates earning more in their first year than the program's median debt.

Master's programs in physics

Highest first-year earnings

University of Arizona$118,505

Johns Hopkins University$114,305

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus$106,704

University of Rochester$100,689

Appalachian State University$86,293

East Texas A&M University$67,634

University of Pennsylvania$66,722

Filter by school, city or state

College	Graduates (2023-24)	Earnings 1 yr after	Earnings 4 yrs after	Median debt
University of ArizonaTucson, AZ	68	$118,505	$179,750	n/a
Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park, PA	9	$106,704	$150,865	n/a
Pennsylvania State University-World CampusUniversity Park, PA	16	$106,704	$150,865	n/a
University of RochesterRochester, NY	44	$100,689	$127,533	n/a
University of OregonEugene, OR	11	n/a	$124,295	n/a
Appalachian State UniversityBoone, NC	15	$86,293	$111,173	n/a
University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor, MI	16	n/a	$106,130	n/a
University of Massachusetts-LowellLowell, MA	20	n/a	$95,208	n/a
New York UniversityNew York, NY	54	n/a	$68,529	$101,274
Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD	90	$114,305	n/a	n/a
East Texas A&M UniversityCommerce, TX	28	$67,634	n/a	$29,470
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA	29	$66,722	n/a	n/a
Alabama A & M UniversityNormal, AL	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe, AZ	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Auburn UniversityAuburn, AL	13	n/a	n/a	n/a
Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Baylor UniversityWaco, TX	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
Binghamton UniversityVestal, NY	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill, MA	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
Boston UniversityBoston, MA	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green, OH	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
Brandeis UniversityWaltham, MA	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Brigham Young UniversityProvo, UT	10	n/a	n/a	n/a
Brown UniversityProvidence, RI	47	n/a	n/a	n/a
Bryn Mawr CollegeBryn Mawr, PA	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
CUNY Brooklyn CollegeBrooklyn, NY	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
CUNY City CollegeNew York, NY	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York, NY	17	n/a	n/a	n/a
CUNY Hunter CollegeNew York, NY	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
CUNY Queens CollegeQueens, NY	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
California Institute of TechnologyPasadena, CA	14	n/a	n/a	n/a
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo, CA	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
California State University-FresnoFresno, CA	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
California State University-FullertonFullerton, CA	10	n/a	n/a	n/a
California State University-Long BeachLong Beach, CA	23	n/a	n/a	n/a
California State University-Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
California State University-NorthridgeNorthridge, CA	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh, PA	10	n/a	n/a	n/a
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland, OH	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant, MI	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Christopher Newport UniversityNewport News, VA	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Clark Atlanta UniversityAtlanta, GA	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Clark UniversityWorcester, MA	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Clarkson UniversityPotsdam, NY	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Clemson UniversityClemson, SC	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Cleveland State UniversityCleveland, OH	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Colorado School of MinesGolden, CO	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins, CO	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York, NY	15	n/a	n/a	n/a
Cornell UniversityIthaca, NY	23	n/a	n/a	n/a
Creighton UniversityOmaha, NE	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Dartmouth CollegeHanover, NH	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
DePaul UniversityChicago, IL	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Delaware State UniversityDover, DE	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia, PA	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Duke UniversityDurham, NC	34	n/a	n/a	n/a
East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti, MI	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Fisk UniversityNashville, TN	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityTallahassee, FL	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton, FL	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Florida Institute of TechnologyMelbourne, FL	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
Florida International UniversityMiami, FL	15	n/a	n/a	n/a
Florida State UniversityTallahassee, FL	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
George Washington UniversityWashington, DC	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
Georgetown UniversityWashington, DC	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta, GA	10	n/a	n/a	n/a
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, GA	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
Hampton UniversityHampton, VA	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Harvard UniversityCambridge, MA	24	n/a	n/a	n/a
Howard UniversityWashington, DC	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Idaho State UniversityPocatello, ID	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago, IL	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington, IN	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis, IN	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
Iowa State UniversityAmes, IA	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Kansas State UniversityManhattan, KS	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Kent State University at KentKent, OH	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem, PA	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Lewis UniversityRomeoville, IL	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge, LA	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston, LA	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Miami University-OxfordOxford, OH	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI	24	n/a	n/a	n/a
Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton, MI	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Minnesota State University-MankatoMankato, MN	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State, MS	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, MO	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Montana State UniversityBozeman, MT	16	n/a	n/a	n/a
New Jersey Institute of TechnologyNewark, NJ	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
New Mexico Institute of Mining and TechnologySocorro, NM	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces, NM	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
Norfolk State UniversityNorfolk, VA	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
North Carolina A & T State UniversityGreensboro, NC	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
North Carolina Central UniversityDurham, NC	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh, NC	14	n/a	n/a	n/a
North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo, ND	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Northeastern UniversityBoston, MA	14	n/a	n/a	n/a
Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb, IL	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Northwestern UniversityEvanston, IL	19	n/a	n/a	n/a
Oakland UniversityRochester Hills, MI	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus, OH	43	n/a	n/a	n/a
Ohio University-Main CampusAthens, OH	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater, OK	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk, VA	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
Oregon State UniversityCorvallis, OR	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg, KS	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Portland State UniversityPortland, OR	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Princeton UniversityPrinceton, NJ	19	n/a	n/a	n/a
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette, IN	23	n/a	n/a	n/a
Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTroy, NY	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Rice UniversityHouston, TX	14	n/a	n/a	n/a
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester, NY	14	n/a	n/a	n/a
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick, NJ	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
Rutgers University-NewarkNewark, NJ	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Saint Joseph's University - PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia, PA	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
San Diego State UniversitySan Diego, CA	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco, CA	17	n/a	n/a	n/a
San Jose State UniversitySan Jose, CA	15	n/a	n/a	n/a
Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange, NJ	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyRapid City, SD	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale, IL	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas, TX	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Stanford UniversityStanford, CA	17	n/a	n/a	n/a
Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken, NJ	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook, NY	29	n/a	n/a	n/a
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, NY	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia, PA	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station, TX	11	n/a	n/a	n/a
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth, TX	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, TX	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, TX	10	n/a	n/a	n/a
The Catholic University of AmericaWashington, DC	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg, TX	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, TX	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of Texas at AustinAustin, TX	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of Texas at DallasRichardson, TX	14	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso, TX	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, TX	18	n/a	n/a	n/a
Towson UniversityTowson, MD	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Tufts UniversityMedford, MA	13	n/a	n/a	n/a
Tulane University of LouisianaNew Orleans, LA	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
University at AlbanyAlbany, NY	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
University at BuffaloBuffalo, NY	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, AL	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsville, AL	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks, AK	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of ArkansasFayetteville, AR	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley, CA	22	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-DavisDavis, CA	13	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-IrvineIrvine, CA	10	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA	40	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-MercedMerced, CA	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-RiversideRiverside, CA	14	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla, CA	15	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara, CA	45	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz, CA	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL	14	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of ChicagoChicago, IL	22	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder, CO	45	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of ConnecticutStorrs, CT	13	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of DelawareNewark, DE	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of FloridaGainesville, FL	22	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of GeorgiaAthens, GA	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of HoustonHouston, TX	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Houston-Clear LakeHouston, TX	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of IdahoMoscow, ID	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Illinois ChicagoChicago, IL	11	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL	14	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of IowaIowa City, IA	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of KansasLawrence, KS	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette, LA	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore, MD	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park, MD	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst, MA	15	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Massachusetts-BostonBoston, MA	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Massachusetts-DartmouthNorth Dartmouth, MA	12	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of MemphisMemphis, TN	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of MiamiCoral Gables, FL	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Minnesota-DuluthDuluth, MN	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis, MN	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of MississippiUniversity, MS	15	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia, MO	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City, MO	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis, MO	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln, NE	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Nevada-Las VegasLas Vegas, NV	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Nevada-RenoReno, NV	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham, NH	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque, NM	12	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of New OrleansNew Orleans, LA	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte, NC	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of North DakotaGrand Forks, ND	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of North TexasDenton, TX	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Notre DameNotre Dame, IN	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman, OK	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh, PA	12	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Puerto Rico-MayaguezMayaguez, PR	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Puerto Rico-Rio PiedrasSan Juan, PR	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Rhode IslandKingston, RI	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia, SC	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of South DakotaVermillion, SD	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of South FloridaTampa, FL	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg, MS	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of ToledoToledo, OH	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of UtahSalt Lake City, UT	20	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of VermontBurlington, VT	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville, VA	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle, WA	37	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, WI	33	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee, WI	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of WyomingLaramie, WY	10	n/a	n/a	n/a
Utah State UniversityLogan, UT	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TN	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond, VA	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg, VA	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem, NC	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Washington State UniversityPullman, WA	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis, MO	14	n/a	n/a	n/a
Wayne State UniversityDetroit, MI	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Wesleyan UniversityMiddletown, CT	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown, WV	14	n/a	n/a	n/a
Western Illinois UniversityMacomb, IL	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo, MI	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Wichita State UniversityWichita, KS	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
William & MaryWilliamsburg, VA	11	n/a	n/a	n/a
Worcester Polytechnic InstituteWorcester, MA	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
Wright State University-Main CampusDayton, OH	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
Yale UniversityNew Haven, CT	48	n/a	n/a	n/a
Yeshiva UniversityNew York, NY	1	n/a	n/a	n/a

Doctoral programs in physics

Highest first-year earnings

University of Arizona$132,173

University of Colorado Boulder$130,362

University of Notre Dame$96,071

Ohio State University-Main Campus$94,730

Florida State University$91,561

Duke University$91,307

University of California-Davis$84,486

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor$80,969

Filter by school, city or state

College	Graduates (2023-24)	Earnings 1 yr after	Earnings 4 yrs after	Median debt
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA	24	n/a	$178,137	n/a
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley, CA	40	n/a	$177,589	n/a
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla, CA	33	n/a	$166,997	n/a
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL	35	n/a	$163,024	n/a
University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor, MI	36	$80,969	$141,253	n/a
University of California-DavisDavis, CA	20	$84,486	$141,034	n/a
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus, OH	29	$94,730	$132,984	n/a
University of ArizonaTucson, AZ	40	$132,173	n/a	n/a
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder, CO	44	$130,362	n/a	n/a
University of Notre DameNotre Dame, IN	14	$96,071	n/a	n/a
Florida State UniversityTallahassee, FL	16	$91,561	n/a	n/a
Duke UniversityDurham, NC	15	$91,307	n/a	n/a
Alabama A & M UniversityNormal, AL	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe, AZ	10	n/a	n/a	n/a
Auburn UniversityAuburn, AL	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Baylor UniversityWaco, TX	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Binghamton UniversityVestal, NY	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill, MA	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Boston UniversityBoston, MA	10	n/a	n/a	n/a
Brandeis UniversityWaltham, MA	10	n/a	n/a	n/a
Brigham Young UniversityProvo, UT	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Brown UniversityProvidence, RI	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
Bryn Mawr CollegeBryn Mawr, PA	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York, NY	13	n/a	n/a	n/a
California Institute of TechnologyPasadena, CA	22	n/a	n/a	n/a
Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh, PA	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland, OH	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant, MI	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Clark UniversityWorcester, MA	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Clarkson UniversityPotsdam, NY	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
Clemson UniversityClemson, SC	13	n/a	n/a	n/a
Colorado School of MinesGolden, CO	10	n/a	n/a	n/a
Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins, CO	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York, NY	12	n/a	n/a	n/a
Cornell UniversityIthaca, NY	16	n/a	n/a	n/a
Dartmouth CollegeHanover, NH	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Delaware State UniversityDover, DE	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia, PA	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityTallahassee, FL	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton, FL	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Florida International UniversityMiami, FL	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
George Washington UniversityWashington, DC	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Georgetown UniversityWashington, DC	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta, GA	13	n/a	n/a	n/a
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta, GA	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Hampton UniversityHampton, VA	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Harvard UniversityCambridge, MA	29	n/a	n/a	n/a
Howard UniversityWashington, DC	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
Idaho State UniversityPocatello, ID	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Illinois Institute of TechnologyChicago, IL	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington, IN	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis, IN	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Iowa State UniversityAmes, IA	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
Kansas State UniversityManhattan, KS	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Kent State University at KentKent, OH	11	n/a	n/a	n/a
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem, PA	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge, LA	16	n/a	n/a	n/a
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA	31	n/a	n/a	n/a
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI	24	n/a	n/a	n/a
Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton, MI	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State, MS	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla, MO	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Montana State UniversityBozeman, MT	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
New Jersey Institute of TechnologyNewark, NJ	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
New Mexico Institute of Mining and TechnologySocorro, NM	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces, NM	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
New York UniversityNew York, NY	22	n/a	n/a	n/a
North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh, NC	17	n/a	n/a	n/a
North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo, ND	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Northeastern UniversityBoston, MA	11	n/a	n/a	n/a
Northern Illinois UniversityDekalb, IL	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Northwestern UniversityEvanston, IL	11	n/a	n/a	n/a
Ohio University-Main CampusAthens, OH	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater, OK	13	n/a	n/a	n/a
Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk, VA	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
Oregon State UniversityCorvallis, OR	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park, PA	23	n/a	n/a	n/a
Portland State UniversityPortland, OR	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
Princeton UniversityPrinceton, NJ	25	n/a	n/a	n/a
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette, IN	25	n/a	n/a	n/a
Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTroy, NY	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
Rice UniversityHouston, TX	21	n/a	n/a	n/a
Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester, NY	12	n/a	n/a	n/a
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick, NJ	19	n/a	n/a	n/a
South Dakota School of Mines and TechnologyRapid City, SD	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale, IL	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas, TX	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Stanford UniversityStanford, CA	43	n/a	n/a	n/a
Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken, NJ	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook, NY	13	n/a	n/a	n/a
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, NY	10	n/a	n/a	n/a
Temple UniversityPhiladelphia, PA	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station, TX	22	n/a	n/a	n/a
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth, TX	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, TX	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
The Catholic University of AmericaWashington, DC	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, TX	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of Texas at AustinAustin, TX	33	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of Texas at DallasRichardson, TX	16	n/a	n/a	n/a
The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, TX	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
Tufts UniversityMedford, MA	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Tulane University of LouisianaNew Orleans, LA	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
University at AlbanyAlbany, NY	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
University at BuffaloBuffalo, NY	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, AL	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsville, AL	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks, AK	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of ArkansasFayetteville, AR	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-IrvineIrvine, CA	21	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-MercedMerced, CA	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-RiversideRiverside, CA	25	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara, CA	30	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz, CA	11	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL	17	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of ChicagoChicago, IL	31	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of ConnecticutStorrs, CT	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of DelawareNewark, DE	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of DenverDenver, CO	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of FloridaGainesville, FL	16	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of GeorgiaAthens, GA	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of HoustonHouston, TX	14	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of IdahoMoscow, ID	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Illinois ChicagoChicago, IL	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of IowaIowa City, IA	12	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of KansasLawrence, KS	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of MaineOrono, ME	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore, MD	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park, MD	39	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst, MA	11	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Massachusetts-BostonBoston, MA	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Massachusetts-LowellLowell, MA	15	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of MiamiCoral Gables, FL	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis, MN	18	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of MississippiUniversity, MS	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia, MO	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis, MO	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln, NE	11	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Nevada-Las VegasLas Vegas, NV	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Nevada-RenoReno, NV	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham, NH	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque, NM	16	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC	14	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte, NC	10	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of North DakotaGrand Forks, ND	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of North TexasDenton, TX	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman, OK	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of OregonEugene, OR	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA	19	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh, PA	17	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Rhode IslandKingston, RI	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of RochesterRochester, NY	26	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia, SC	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of South DakotaVermillion, SD	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of South FloridaTampa, FL	6	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of ToledoToledo, OH	9	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of TulsaTulsa, OK	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of UtahSalt Lake City, UT	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville, VA	13	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle, WA	27	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, WI	25	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee, WI	11	n/a	n/a	n/a
University of WyomingLaramie, WY	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Utah State UniversityLogan, UT	2	n/a	n/a	n/a
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TN	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond, VA	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg, VA	7	n/a	n/a	n/a
Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem, NC	4	n/a	n/a	n/a
Washington State UniversityPullman, WA	8	n/a	n/a	n/a
Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis, MO	11	n/a	n/a	n/a
Wayne State UniversityDetroit, MI	5	n/a	n/a	n/a
Wesleyan UniversityMiddletown, CT	0	n/a	n/a	n/a
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown, WV	13	n/a	n/a	n/a
Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo, MI	1	n/a	n/a	n/a
William & MaryWilliamsburg, VA	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Worcester Polytechnic InstituteWorcester, MA	3	n/a	n/a	n/a
Yale UniversityNew Haven, CT	17	n/a	n/a	n/a

Frequently asked questions

How much do physics graduates earn?

Graduates of the typical master's program earned a median of $103,696 one year after finishing, in 2024 dollars.

How much debt do physics graduate students take on?

The typical program's graduates who borrowed left with a median of $65,372 in federal loans taken at that school. Undergraduate loans are not included.

Undergraduate: Physics major

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard field of study file, data release of October 15, 2026. Earnings are medians for graduates who received federal aid and were working, not enrolled. One-year figures: graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Four-year figures: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. More on the data.