Physical Sciencesat Empire State University
Graduates earn $59,562/yr in their first year — about 25.0% above the national Physical Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $629K; scenarios range from $589K to $640K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Empire State University
This highly specialized "Physical Sciences, Other" program at Empire State University stands out due to its unique curriculum, which likely blends traditional disciplines in an innovative way not found elsewhere. This differentiation is a key reason for the strong earning potential you see, as graduates acquire an unusual skill set valued by employers seeking niche expertise. You'll likely find opportunities in specialized R&D, government agencies, or even consulting firms that need interdisciplinary scientific thinkers.
However, the "Other" designation and the lack of extensive long-term data also mean your career path will require proactive navigation. While ESU's location in Saratoga Springs isn't a major research hub, the program's distinctiveness means graduates often find roles nationally, leveraging their specific knowledge in areas like materials science, environmental modeling, or advanced analytics. Be aware of the high AI risk; focusing on critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and communication skills will be crucial for securing and advancing in future roles that AI cannot easily replicate.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Empire State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Physical Sciences
How Empire State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Empire State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Empire State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Physical Sciences at Empire State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physical Sciences at Empire State University?
A score of 58/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Physical Sciences field.
Will AI replace Physical Sciences careers?
With 32% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $589,258 in decade earnings vs $639,576 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.