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Physicsat Brigham Young University

Graduates earn $68,664/yr in their first year — about 48.0% above the national Physics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $838K; scenarios range from $726K to $886K depending on AI disruption.

Provo, UT Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
74 STRONG
76
Optimistic
73
Pessimistic
Earnings
$68,664
1-year post-graduation
ROI
36.5x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$838K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
56% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University's physics program consistently propels graduates into highly competitive sectors. The rigorous analytical training and problem-solving skills you'll develop are incredibly valuable beyond traditional research, opening doors in tech, engineering, and data-intensive industries, especially within Utah's growing "Silicon Slopes" economy. Many graduates leverage their foundational knowledge for roles in R&D, advanced software development, or quantitative analysis, where their ability to model complex systems is a significant asset.

The "very high AI risk" for this field isn't necessarily a warning, but rather an indicator of where these careers are heading. Your deep understanding of mathematics and scientific principles positions you to be innovators and leaders in the development and application of AI and machine learning, rather than being displaced by it. To thrive, focus on interdisciplinary skills in computational physics, data science, and programming, as these will be crucial for guiding your career into the evolving landscape.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$726K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score73/100
Earnings Multiple27.9x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$838K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score74/100
Earnings Multiple32.2x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$886K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score76/100
Earnings Multiple34.1x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Brigham Young University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Physics graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Physicists
+4.0% 10-yr growth · 1,700 openings/yr
$166,290/yr
Very High
2
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
3
Physics teachers, postsecondary
+2.5% 10-yr growth · 1,300 openings/yr
$97,360/yr
Moderate
4
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
-1.6% 10-yr growth · 66,200 openings/yr
$64,580/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Physics

How Brigham Young University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
NC · Public
62
DW Score
$70K
1-yr earn
23.3x
ROI
University of Pennsylvania
PA · Private nonprofit
47
DW Score
$68K
1-yr earn
1.6x
ROI
Whitworth University
WA · Private nonprofit
48
DW Score
$65K
1-yr earn
2.2x
ROI
Top score
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
CA · Public
70
DW Score
$64K
1-yr earn
24.0x
ROI
Portland State University
OR · Public
70
DW Score
$63K
1-yr earn
17.7x
ROI
Also at Brigham Young University

Other top programs at Brigham Young University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Brigham Young University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

FAQ

Frequently asked about Physics at Brigham Young University

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at Brigham Young University?

At 74/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Physics at Brigham Young 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.

Is Brigham Young University one of the best schools for Physics?

Among 75 Physics programs, Brigham Young University's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.