Physics at Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings
$33,400/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI
12.4x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
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 | $835K | $793K | $693K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 13.1x | 12.4x | 10.8x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.8x | 4.6x | 4.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 62% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 44 | 43 | 52 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (4.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,119
125% growth from Year 1
About Michigan State University
With 84% of applicants admitted, Michigan State University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 40,243 in East Lansing, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State University →Top Career Paths
Physicists
$166,290/yr
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Physics teachers, postsecondary
$97,360/yr
Compare & Explore
Physics at Other Schools
Other Majors at Michigan State University
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at Michigan State University?
A score of 43/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Physics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Physics careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $692,581 in decade earnings vs $835,281 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Physics from Michigan State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →