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Physics at Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,740/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 8.0x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #62 of 75 Physics programs

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 $467K $470K $451K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.9x 8.0x 7.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.9x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,064
Out-of-state: $96,504 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,636
4% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Montclair State University's Physics program produces graduates earning $39,740/yr — within striking distance of the $46,482 national average for this field.

A 8.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #62 ranking among 75 Physics programs places Montclair State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Montclair State University

A 87% acceptance rate means Montclair State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 17,677 students in Montclair, NJ. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Montclair 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 Montclair State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($104,219) Accounting and Related Services ($56,917) Chemistry ($55,389) Mathematics ($50,810) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($47,487) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($46,739) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($46,343) Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences ($43,985)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at Montclair State University?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Physics programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Physics at Montclair 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 →