Physics at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's degree graduates in physics from Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (Penn State) earn a median of $55,968 one year after graduating and $81,763 after four years.
That is 3% above the national median of $54,341 for this degree. It ranks 30th of 74 colleges for first-year earnings in physics (bachelor's degree). Median debt is $20,500, about 37% of one year's earnings — roughly $233 a month on a 10-year repayment plan.
Physics (Bachelor's degree) at Penn State vs. nationally
| Penn State | Typical college | |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings after 1 year | $55,968 | $54,341 |
| Earnings after 4 years | $81,763 | $79,158 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $19,500 |
Compare every college for physics (bachelor's degree) →
Earnings are medians for graduates who received federal financial aid, measured by the U.S. Department of Education from tax records. Debt is the median federal loan balance at graduation.
Other bachelor's degree programs at Penn State
| Program | Earnings after 1 yr | Median debt |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $85,528 | $27,000 |
| Engineering Science | $85,125 | $26,750 |
| Chemical Engineering | $84,660 | $26,973 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $84,461 | $22,250 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $84,115 | — |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $82,877 | $23,749 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | $82,304 | $26,000 |
| Industrial Engineering | $81,854 | $25,625 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $79,268 | $27,000 |
| Petroleum Engineering | $79,009 | — |
| Architectural Engineering | $78,742 | $31,000 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $77,736 | $27,000 |
| Nuclear Engineering | $76,869 | $26,000 |
| Materials Sciences | $75,929 | $21,670 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $75,796 | $24,250 |
Cost, admission and graduation figures for the whole school: Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (Penn State) overview. Compare what jobs pay in your field with the Salary Finder.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Penn State physics graduates make?
Graduates with a bachelor's degree in physics from Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus earn a median of $55,968 one year after graduation and $81,763 four years after.
How much debt do Penn State physics graduates have?
The median federal student loan debt for this program is $20,500, about $233 a month over 10 years.