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Physics at Boise State University

Boise, ID · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,813/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 14.6x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #37 of 75 Physics programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Physics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $516K $513K $483K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.7x 14.6x 13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.8x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,128
Out-of-state: $107,904 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,728
-118% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,469
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $45,813/yr, roughly in line with the $46,482 national median for Physics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 14.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,469 against $45,813/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #37 ranking among 75 Physics programs places Boise State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Boise State University

Boise State University accepts 84% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 17,081 students in Boise, ID.

See all programs and financial aid at Boise State University →

Top Career Paths

Physicists $166,290/yr
Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Physics teachers, postsecondary $97,360/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 75 schools offering Physics →

Physics at Other Schools

University of North Carolina at Charlotte ($70,150) Brigham Young University ($68,664) University of Pennsylvania ($68,215) Whitworth University ($65,316) California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ($64,045) Portland State University ($62,749) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ($62,647) Georgia College & State University ($62,478)

Other Majors at Boise State University

Computer Science ($85,596) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($79,301) Construction Management ($77,109) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($76,843) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($72,832) Civil Engineering ($65,648) Mechanical Engineering ($62,835) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($55,422)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at Boise State University?
At 50/100, Boise State University's Physics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Physics at Boise State University?
The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →