Engineering Physics/Applied Physics.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Engineering Physics/Applied Physics. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 45.8%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Engineering Physics/Applied Physics. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $53862 and average student debt of $24656, the financial outlook for Engineering Physics/Applied Physics. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Engineering Physics/Applied Physics. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $53862, and with an average debt of $24656, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.46—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 1047 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Engineering Physics/Applied Physics. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Engineering Physics/Applied Physics (CIP 14.1201) is an elite, interdisciplinary field that sits at the exact intersection of theoretical physics and practical engineering. While a traditional engineer focuses on applying existing technologies, an engineering physicist focuses on discovering and creating the next generation of technology. This field is responsible for breakthroughs in semiconductors, lasers, quantum sensors, and fusion energy. It is a path for "scientific pioneers" who want to bridge the gap between a laboratory discovery and a real-world product.
This field is ideal for "innovative theorists"—individuals who possess the mathematical brilliance of a physicist and the problem-solving mindset of an engineer to tackle the most complex technical challenges of the future.
What Is an Engineering Physics Degree?
A degree in Engineering Physics is a high-level STEM path that emphasizes the fundamental laws of nature as the basis for engineering design. You will study the same rigorous math and physics as a pure physics major, but your elective work will focus on applying those concepts to areas like nanotechnology, aerospace, or renewable energy. It is a versatile degree that prepares you to work in any engineering discipline because you understand the "first principles" that govern all of them. It is often considered one of the most academically demanding majors in existence.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Research Engineers" who can develop new materials and electronic devices
- Develop experts in Quantum Information Science and advanced computing hardware
- Prepare professionals for High-Energy Physics and nuclear engineering roles
- Study Solid-State Physics to revolutionize how we store and transmit data
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that at the edges of technology—whether it’s the smallest computer chip or the largest telescope—the standard engineering "rules of thumb" no longer apply, and a deep understanding of physics is required.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Quantum Mechanics to understand how matter behaves at the atomic level
- Use "Mathematical Modeling" to describe physical systems with complex differential equations
- Design Optical Systems using lasers, lenses, and fiber optics
- Perform Electromagnetic Field Simulations to design wireless and high-frequency tech
- Utilize Computational Physics—using supercomputers to simulate everything from weather to black holes
- Understand Materials Characterization—testing the limits of how materials respond to light, heat, and electricity
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a relentless progression of theory and advanced laboratory work:
- Classical Mechanics: The high-level study of motion, forces, and energy in macroscopic systems.
- Electrodynamics: Mastering the laws of electricity and magnetism at a fundamental level.
- Statistical Mechanics: How the behavior of individual atoms leads to the properties of bulk materials.
- Solid-State Physics: The physics of crystals and semiconductors—the heart of all modern electronics.
- Nuclear and Particle Physics: Exploring the forces within the atom and their applications in energy and medicine.
- Thermodynamics: The study of heat, work, and the transformation of energy.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates are highly sought after by high-tech industries, national laboratories, and research institutions.
Common job roles include:
- Research and Development (R&D) Engineer: Inventing new technologies in optics, energy, or electronics.
- Systems Engineer: Managing complex projects like satellite deployment or medical imaging systems.
- Semiconductor Engineer: Designing the microscopic structures within the next generation of computer chips.
- Optical Engineer: Developing laser systems for manufacturing, communications, or defense.
- Data Scientist: Applying complex mathematical models to solve problems in finance or tech.
- Accelerator Operator: Working at major facilities like CERN or national labs to study particle physics.
Where Can You Work?
Engineering physicists work at the boundaries of human knowledge:
- National Laboratories: Facilities like Los Alamos, Oak Ridge, or Lawrence Livermore.
- Aerospace and Defense: Firms like SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, or NASA.
- Tech Giants: Companies like Google (Quantum AI), IBM, or Intel.
- Energy Corporations: Working on nuclear fusion, solar efficiency, or advanced battery tech.
- Biomedical Research: Designing MRI machines and robotic surgical tools.
How Much Can You Earn?
Because this major is exceptionally difficult and produces "top-tier" problem solvers, salaries are among the highest in STEM.
- Engineering Physicists (R&D): Median annual salary of approximately $110,000–$140,000.
- Semiconductor/Chip Designers: Salaries typically range from $115,000 to $165,000.
- Senior Research Scientists: Median annual salary can exceed $150,000–$180,000.
- Entry-Level Junior Engineers: Often start between $85,000 and $105,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is extreme. This major requires a rare combination of high-level abstract thinking and practical technical skill. You must be comfortable with the most advanced levels of Mathematics (Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Complex Analysis). It is a "heavy" major with significant lab time and difficult problem sets. However, it is also incredibly rewarding for those who want to understand the "Why" behind the "How."
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Love Physics and Math but want to see those theories turned into usable technology
- Are a "perfectionist" who wants to understand the world at the most fundamental level
- Want a career that is "future-proof" and allows you to move between different engineering fields
- Are fascinated by things like lasers, quantum computers, and fusion energy
- Enjoy the challenge of solving problems that don't have an answer in a textbook yet
How to Prepare in High School
- Take the most advanced Math and Physics classes your school offers (AP Physics C and AP Calculus BC are critical)
- Learn computer programming (Python, C++, or MATLAB are the tools of the trade)
- Join a Science Olympiad, Robotics, or Math team
- Practice "Hands-on Physics"—experiment with electronics kits or build your own telescope/drone
- Read popular science books by authors like Richard Feynman to build your conceptual intuition
The ability to use the fundamental laws of the universe to create technologies that once seemed like science fiction is the hallmark of a successful engineering physics professional.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor