Physics at New York University

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
21
Optimistic
20
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,802/yr (-47% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 1.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #75 of 75 Physics programs

Program Analysis

A physics degree from NYU often serves as a rigorous foundation for advanced study, with many graduates pursuing PhDs to enter research, academia, or specialized roles as professional physicists. The initial earnings data can reflect this pipeline, as many alumni are still in graduate school or early-career academic positions rather than immediate high-paying industry roles. Those who don't pursue a PhD often leverage their exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills in competitive fields like quantitative finance, data science, or engineering, particularly within the bustling New York City tech and finance sectors. However, the high AI risk suggests that some purely analytical tasks common in related roles are increasingly automated, demanding you develop complementary skills like advanced computation, machine learning, or interdisciplinary expertise. Consider how you'll apply your foundational knowledge to evolving industries.

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 $346K $364K $372K
Earnings Multiple 1.4x 1.5x 1.5x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 20 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$241,752
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$140,140
42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,750
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings

About New York University

New York University's 9% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with 29,430 students enrolled in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $140,140 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at New York 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

Physics at Other Schools

Other Majors at New York University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at New York University?
A score of 20/100 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 $372,470 in decade earnings vs $346,017 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Physics from New York 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 →